080917 - Los Angeles Midweek Edition

AUGUST 9-11, 2017 Volume 27 - No. 64 • 3 Sections - 20 Pages

Tillerson: No confl ict between US gov’t DATELINE USA anti-terrorism aid, rights concerns in PH N. Korea has no FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

intention to use nukes against other countries ‘except US’

THE Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Monday, August 7, told the international community that it has no plans to use nuclear weapons against other countries apart from the United States.

North Korea’s Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho made the assurance during the 24th Asean Regional Forum (ARF), which was held in Manila, Philippines.

Ri said that Pyongyang would “teach the US a severe lesson” if it used military force against North Korea.

The foreign minister, however, warned

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

THE United States does not see any contradiction between its anti-terrorism assistance to the Philippine government and its human rights concerns in connection with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-illegal drugs campaign.

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson pointed out that helping the Philippines to combat terrorism,

particularly against the Islamic State (IS)-affiliate that attacked Marawi City in Mindanao, is part of Washington’s “national security interest.”

This, he said, is not at odds with Washington’s concern about the alleged human rights abuses and summary deaths linked to Duterte’s drug war.

“I see no conflict, no conflict at all in our helping them with that situation and our views of other human rights concerns we have with respect to how

they carry out their counternarcotics activities,” Tillerson told reporters on Monday, August 7.

In a press briefing, the American diplomat called the attack in Marawi as a “tragic situation” but added that the Philippine forces are “beginning to get that situation under control.”

The fight has been ongoing since the IS-linked Maute rebel group attacked Marawi City on May 23, resulting in the deaths of nearly 700 militants, soldiers, and civilians.

“With respect to the assistance we’re providing the Philippines Government to respond to ISIS, there is – there really is no, I think, contradiction at all in the support we’re giving them in the fight down in Marawi and Mindanao,” Tillerson said.

He said that the U.S. has been providing Manila with information and surveillance equipment, which includes a few Cessna aircraft and a few drones.

“We’re providing them some train-

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Fil-Am LAPD Officer Matthew Medina still in need of bone marrow match IT’S been almost five months since Matthew Medina first learned about his rare blood disease and how his Filipino heritage is affecting his chances of being cured.

Just earlier this year, the 40-yearold police officer was going about his

Matthew Medina

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Patricia Paz “Tish” Bautista Inquirer.net photo

Wife exposes Comelec chief’s ill-gotten wealth

by NIKKO

DIZON Inquirer.net

China and ASEAN countries. We don’t want to prejudge the result of those negotiations,” the Chinese minister explained.

He also cited a condition that must be met before Beijing accepts the announcement in November as the formal start of negotiations between the heads of China and ASEAN nations.

“If there is no major disruption from outside parties, with that as the precondition, then we will consider during the November leaders’ meeting, we will jointly

AFTER meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte, the wife of Commission on Elections Chair Andres Bautista submitted last week to the National Bureau of Investigation an affidavit, saying that the Comelec chief might have amassed nearly P1 billion worth of ill-gotten wealth.

Patricia Paz “Tish” Bautista submitted the affidavit on Aug. 1, five days after she sought an audience with Mr. Duterte in Malacañang to tell him that she had discovered several passbooks as well as bank and real property documents under her husband’s name and some of his relatives that were not included in his 2016 statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN).

Bautista declared a net worth of P176.3 million in his SALN. After meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte, the wife of Commission on Elections Chair Andres Bautista submitted last

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FRIEND AND ALLY. President Rodrigo Duterte welcomes United States Secretary of State Rex Tillerson at Malacañang on Monday, Aug. 7. The president assured Tillerson that the Philippines will remain a friend and ally of the U.S. ManilaTimes.net photo by Russell Palma

ASEAN, China adopt framework for South China Sea code Beijing sets precondition before talks

by AJPRESS MANILA - The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China have agreed to adopt a “framework” for further negotiations on a Code of Conduct (COC) in the disputed South China Sea. In a news conference on Sunday, August 6, Chinese Foreign ASEAN MINISTERS IN MANILA. Foreign Ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Minister Wang Yi announced (ASEAN) join hands at the meeting of the region’s foreign ministers in Manila on Saturday, that he and his 10 ASEAN counAug. 5. The foreign ministers reiterated their grave concerns over the escalation of tension terparts have “agreed upon and in the Korean peninsula caused in part by Pyongyang’s recent missile tests.

PNA photo adopted the COC framework

draft,” which aims to prevent an escalation of maritime conflicts in the area.

“Today, the 11 ministers agreed upon and adopted the COC framework draft, and we announce that sometime within the year we will start consultation on the text of the COC,” Wang said.

He, however, failed to affirm if the COC would be legally binding.

“Regarding what kind of COC will be produced, that is up to the discussion by the 11 parties-

CHR: Congress knows commission’s role, mandate SC affirms Marcos burial with finality

by JONATHAN DE

SANTOS

Philstar.com

MANILA — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has not been remiss in explaining its role and function to Congress, some members of which have criticized it for not speaking up against criminals.

Asked whether the commission reaches out to Congress and other government offices to orient them on what the CHR does, commission spokesperson Jacqueline De Guia responded: “We have consistently done that.”

In a message to Philstar.com, she added representatives of the commission “sat in most congressional hearings to mainstream human rights in legislation and submitted position papers on proposed legislation.”

On Tuesday, Aug. 8, the House of Representatives released a press release on how some lawmakers “took turns decrying the way the Commission on Human Rights has been performing its role as a human rights body” at a budget hearing on Monday, Aug. 7.

The House press release,

which was also sent out through Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez’s office e-mail address, said lawmakers criticized the CHR for being “quick to denounce alleged human rights violations committed by the law enforcement agencies, but is noticeably quiet on the human rights abuses perpetrated by criminals or terrorists.”

The CHR has explained repeatedly that speaking out against crime by non-government actors like criminals is not its main function.

The commission has also

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by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

THE Supreme Court (SC) has affirmed with finality its November 2016 decision allowing former Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos to be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB).

On Tuesday, August 8, the high court dismissed the motions for reconsideration filed by former Bayan Muna Representative Satur Ocampo and Albay Representative Voting 10-5 in session on Tuesday, Aug. 8, the Supreme Court affirmed its ruling last November Edcel Lagman. upholding President Rodrigo Duterte’s order to allow former Pres. Ferdinand E. Marcos’ In an en banc (full court) ses- interment at the cemetery for former presidents and fallen soldiers in August 2016.

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Philstar.com photo

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From the Front Page

Tillerson: No conflict between US gov’t...

PAGE A1 ing and some guidance in terms of how to deal with an enemy that fights in ways that is not like most people have ever had to deal with,” he added.

With regard to human rights, the U.S. has repeatedly criticized the Philippine drug war because of the thousands of reported state-sanctioned killings and

abuses, which have been vehemently and repeatedly denied by the Duterte administration.

Tillerson met with Duterte when he visited Manila for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-related meetings.

Contrary to earlier reports, Tillerson did not raise Washington’s human rights concerns

in his talks with the Philippine president.

While refusing to provide specific details of their discussion, Duterte said their conversation mostly revolved around terrorism.

“No, no. There were no talks on human rights concerns,” the chief executive said in a press briefing after his meeting with Tillerson. n

ASEAN, China adopt framework...

PAGE A1 announce the official start of the code of conduct consultation,” Wang said.

According to him, they would discuss the modalities for the actual COC by the end of the month with the approved framework as the basis for their talks.

Wang said the start of talks for a COC in the sea may be announced by leaders of ASEAN and China at their annual summit

in the Philippines in November.

“If there is no major disruption from outside parties, with that as the precondition, then we will consider during the November leaders’ meeting, we will jointly announce the official start of the code of conduct consultation,” he stressed.

In a separate press briefing, Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Spokesperson Robespierre Bolivar said that a

meeting between ASEAN leaders and China is slated by the end of the month to discuss the modalities for the actual COC with the approved framework as the basis.

“Parallel to this, Asean and China will continue to cooperate on such practical maritime cooperation efforts including management and prevention of conflicts among parties through

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FILIPINA MOMS JOIN BIG LATCH ON RECORD. Some 2,000 moms simultaneously breastfeed their babies to promote awareness on the health and economic benefits of breastfeeding and providing proper support to breastfeeding mothers as part of the National Breastfeeding Awareness Month and International Breastfeeding Week this August. The activity hosted by the online support group Breastfeeding Pinays and Department of Health (DOH) was held during the “Hakab Na 2017” at Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City on Saturday, Aug. 5. The event is also part of the “Big Latch On,” an international activity where mothers simultaneously breastfeed their babies within one minute from different locations around the world at 10:30 a.m. Saturday to create a world record. PNA photo by Oliver Marquez

Wife says Comelec chief...

PAGE A1 week to the National Bureau of Investigation an affidavit, saying that the Comelec chief might have amassed nearly P1 billion worth of ill-gotten wealth.

Patricia Paz “Tish” Bautista submitted the affidavit on Aug. 1, five days after she sought an audience with Mr. Duterte in Malacañang to tell him that she had discovered several passbooks as well as bank and real property documents under her husband’s name and some of his relatives that were not included in his 2016 statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN).

Bautista declared a net worth of P176.3 million in his SALN. In her affidavit, Patricia, 47, said she was disclosing “certain information and documents that would show that Andy (Bautista’s nickname) might have had, or currently has, misdealing and corrupt practices while in government service.”

Impeachable offense “I understand that since Andy holds the position of Comelec chair, he is liable to be impeached should there exist valid and sufficient grounds to hold him in trial for an impeachable offense under Sec. 2, Article XI of the 1987 Philippine Constitution,” Patricia said in the affidavit.

Bautista was appointed to the Comelec by then President Benigno Aquino III in May 2015.

In 2010, Aquino named Bautista chair of the Presidential Commission on Good Government, the agency tasked with going after the ill-gotten wealth of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos and his family.

Among the pieces of information Patricia disclosed to Mr. Duterte and the NBI, which were not in Bautista’s SALN: • 35 Luzon Development Bank (LDB) passbooks with a total balance of P329,220,962 • A foreign currency account with Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. RCBC) with $12,778.30, or P640,959.53 (at P50.16 [as of Aug. 4] to $1.00) • An RCBC peso account with P257,931.60 • An HSBC account with HK$948,358.97 or P6.10 million

(at P6.43 to HK$1.00) • A condominium unit in One Bonifacio High Street at Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig City • A condo unit in The District in San Francisco, California Patricia said that except for two adjoining condo units in Pacific Plaza Towers at BGC in Taguig City, the family home, she was not aware of the 13 other real properties listed in her husband’s SALN. Her lawyers said this meant Patricia had no hand in the purchase or acquisition of these properties because her husband always kept her in the dark when it came to their assets.

Patricia said in her affidavit that based on her own assessment, the cumulative value of the properties at their acquisition costs was between P250 million and P300 million, “definitely more than P158.5 million” that Bautista declared in his 2016 SALN. Overseas interests She also said that she discovered investments abroad “in the form of his interests in corporations and loan agreements” that were not declared in his SALN: • Bauman Enterprises Ltd., a company established in the British Virgin Islands on Sept. 29, 2010; a trustee company that Bautista set up with Bank of Singapore.

• Mantova International Ltd., established in Brunei Darussalam on April 26, 2011.

• Mega Achieve Inc., established in Anguilla, a British overseas territory in the Caribbean, on July 15, 2014.

“I previously confronted Andy about these companies and he bluntly denied that he was involved in any way with any of them. However, it is highly suspicious why he would have copies of pertinent documents relative to such companies when he claims that he does not have any involvement with any of those,” Patricia said in her affidavit.

Of the 35 LDB passbooks, Patricia’s name appeared in only one. She told reporters on Friday that she was unaware that she had an LDB passbook.

Seeking separation Patricia narrated to reporters her discoveries that she included in her NBI affidavit and the life she had with her husband of 17 years from whom she had been wanting to separate since 2013.

She said it was out of “fear” of Bautista and his network that she sought an audience with Mr. Duterte.

Patricia has filed a case of violence against women and children with the Taguig City Prosecutor’s Office, accusing her husband of “emotional and economic sabotage” against her and their children.

But it still bothered her that she had all the documents that might be proof of misdealing and corrupt practices, she said.

Patricia’s lawyers said Bautista could not accuse her of stealing his passbooks and other documents because she found them in their conjugal house.

“I am getting scared… I am holding these stuff. I don’t know what it is. I don’t know how farreaching it is. I don’t know what to do, right?” Patricia said.

“So I would think that the safest place to bring this is there (referring to Malacañang), because at the end of the day, this is the President. This is as high as it goes,” she added.

Meeting with Duterte Patricia said she was able to arrange a meeting with Mr. Duterte through friends she did not name.

They met at the Music Room of the Palace on July 26 for two to three hours. Patricia’s lawyers were present.

After Patricia narrated what she knew, she said the President told her that he would help in “whatever way he could.”

“I think he was surprised as much as I was,” she said.

In the course of their meeting, Patricia said the President summoned NBI Director Dante Gierran to the Palace.

When Gierran arrived, Patricia said the President “endorsed us to the NBI director, who had since been the one coordinating (with her legal team).”

Patricia said she executed the affidavit for fear that some of her family’s finances and properties might have been accumulated PAGE A5

CHR: Congress knows commission’s role...

PAGE A1 shared infographics explaining the difference between their role and that of law enforcement agencies.

“It is the responsibility of the CHR to protect the rights of the people from abuse by state agents such as the government, police and the military. The CHR is mandated to ensure that the government will not abuse and violate its duty to protect the primary rights of the people,” the commission said in Filipino.

Kabayan party-list Rep. Harry Roque was also quoted in the House press statement as saying “they choose only to criticize the human rights record of the current administration and they remain silent on the human rights record of the past dispensation.”

CHR probed past administrations The CHR was not silent on potential cases of government abuse during the Aquino administration.

In 2016, the commission recommended charges against local government officials, law enforcement personnel, inquest prosecutors and protest organizers in the violent dispersal of farmers in Kidapawan in Cotobato province in April of that year.

“Whatever violence may have come from the side of the protesters, there is no justifying the use by the Philippine National Police of firearms. It is clear that the PNP fired the first shot in a situation where they were not even sup-

posed to bring guns,” the CHR said in a 46-page resolution.

“The principles of peaceful dispersal, negotiations and maximum tolerance prescribed under the PNP Operations Manual were not observed,” it added.

In 2015, Chito Gascon, the CHR chairman, urged law enforcement agencies to pursue the killers of Emerito Samarca, executive director of Alternative Learning Center for Agriculture and Livelihood Development (Alcadev) and community leaders Dionel Campos and Aurelio Sinzo.

The Lumad leaders were killed in Lianga, Surigao del Sur by a group that activists linked to the Army’s 36th Infantry Battalion.

“We call for the disbandment of the Bagani to ensure the safety of the people,” Gascon said then, referring to the paramilitary unit believed to be behind the killings.

In 2014, the CHR also investigated a so-called “wheel of torture” that Laguna police allegedly used to torture crime suspects in a police facility in Biñan, Laguna.

CHR has no power to prosecute “I’m afraid that unless you (CHR) actually take steps to end impunity as far as the previous administration is concerned, it is not just the president who will perceive CHR as becoming a very political entity being used against this current administration, but the common people as well,” Rep. Roque said on Monday.

In 2015, when not yet a member of Congress, Roque noted in his blog that “the CHR can only investigate but has no power to prosecute.”

He added: “It is this lack of prosecutorial powers that leads to the perception that the CHR has not lived up to the public’s expectations. In fact, while the Commission’s mandate to investigate is provided in the Constitution itself, its findings are not binding on the prosecutor whose functions are only spelled out in the Administrative Code.”

Roque also said that prosecutors can, in fact, ignore recommendations made by the CHR. “Current practice is to treat complaints filed by the CHR only as complaints similar to those filed by police agencies or the victims directly. Prosecutors do not even accord the Constitutional Commission any presumption of regularity in their findings that there is a violation of human rights in a given case,” he said.

Roque, described in the House press statement as a human rights lawyer, said then that: “Instead, we can only measure how many investigations it has conducted from the complaints that it had received from the public.”

Gascon said during the budget hearing Monday that the commission investigated 941 cases of alleged extrajudicial killings under the Arroyo administration, 686 under the Aquino administration, and 561 under Duterte. n

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Philippines disputes reported US airstrikes plan

by Mikas

Matsuzawa Philstar.com

Top defense officials denied the report that pentagon is eyeing a plan that would allow the United States to conduct airstrikes against militants behind the monthslong siege of Marawi City.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Armed Forces Eduardo Año said there were no discussions with the United States regarding airstrikes against local targets.

NBC news reported that two US defense officials divulged plans of the pentagon to have American troops granted the authority to strike, likely through armed drones, ISIS-inspired militants in Marawi as part of an official military operation.

Año said, however, that the Mutual Defense Treaty with the United States does not allow such a measure.

“Direct military actions are only allowed during actual foreign invasion by another state actor.

Hence, such a proposition has to undergo a process and an agreement must be reached that should have the approval of both the highest officials of our nations,” the DND said Tuesday in a statement.

The two officials, however, said they welcome the reported desire

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of the longtime US ally to help the country in fighting local ISIS-inspired groups.

The DND said that although security relations and counterterrorism efforts between the two countries are robust, the assistance provided by the US is limited to technical assistance, sharing of information and training.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, who attended the ASEAN summit this week, said Monday that the United States provided the philippines with a few Cessna aircraft and drones to help with surveillance capabilities against pro-ISIS militants.

“We think they are beginning to get that situation under control. But the real challenge is going to come with once they have the fighting brought to an end how to deal with the conditions on the ground to ensure it does not re-emerge,” Tillerson told reporters.

The United States’ top diplomat also argued that he sees no conflict between Washington’s concerns on human rights in the philippines as deaths mount in president Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war and their help in resolving the Marawi crisis.

US president Donald Trump has been criticized for extending an invitation to Duterte to visit the

UNITY. Ministers attending the 7th East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting show their unity in the group photo at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on Monday, Aug. 7.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

White House. Experts said this could send a message that human rights take a back seat in Washington.

Sidney Jones, an expert on Southeast Asia militant networks, warned that the attack on Marawi City hasgalvanized Southeast Asian supporters of ISIS. She said this spells a higher risk of attacks in other philippine cities as well as an expansion of cooperation between militants across regional borders. ASEAN this week reaffirmed its commitment to curbing terror in the region.

The Armed Forces said less than a square kilometer of space in the heart of Marawi City remains problematic. n

SC affirms Marcos burial...

sion, 10 magistrates voted in favor with the late strong man’s burial, while five voted against it.

“Wherefore, the motions for reconsideration as well as the motion/petition to exhume Marcos’ remains at the LNMB are Denied with Finality. The petition for indirect contempt in G.R. No. 228186 and G.R. No. 228245 are dismissed for lack of merit,” the high court said.

In its ruling, the SC maintained that there was no grave abuse of discretion on the part of president Rodrigo Duterte in ordering the burial of Marcos at the Heroes’ Cemetery.

It also maintained that Marcos qualifies to be interred at the LNMB as a “former president and commander-in-chief, a legislator, secretary of national defense, a

military personnel, a veteran, and a Medal of Valor awardee.”

The 10 justices who voted to junk the petition were Associate Justices presbitero Velasco Jr, Diosdado peralta, Lucas Bersamin, Mariano del Castillo, Teresita de Castro, Jose Mendoza, Estela perlas-Bernabe, Samuel Martires, Noel Tijam and Andres Reyes Jr. The five justices who voted in favor of the petition, meanwhile, were Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, and Associate Justices Marvic Leonen, Francis Jardaleza, and Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa.

In a statement, Malacañang acknowledged the SC’s decision as the “final arbiter of all legal questions.”

“We hope the matter on the FM (Ferdinand Marcos) Libingan

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ng mga Bayani will be finally laid to rest and that the country will move forward as one united nation,” presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella added.

The late strongman’s remains were buried at the LNMB on November 18 of last year, 27 years after his death.

For its part, the National Union of people’s Lawyers (NUpL), the group which represented the petitioners led by ocampo, described the high court’s ruling as “unfortunate and utterly disappointing.”

“What do we tell our children and generations to come who to emulate? It does not inspire & even virtually canonizes a fascist dictator thief. But the evil that men do is remembered after their deaths. They must be exorcised in time,” NUpL president Atty. Edre olalia said. n

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Australia, Japan, US seek binding code of conduct in South China Sea

by Pia Lee-Brago Philstar.com

AUSTRALIA, Japan and the United States urged Southeast Asian nations and China to ensure that a South China Sea code of conduct they have committed to draft would be legally binding.

The Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China should establish a set of rules that are “legally binding, meaningful, effective and consistent with international law,” the foreign ministers of the three countries said in a statement following a meeting in Manila.

They also urged China and the philippines to abide by last year’s international arbitration ruling on the South China Sea. The three countries’ foreign ministers also called for a halt on land reclamation and military actions in the South China Sea. US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and Japan’s new top diplomat Taro Kono expressed serious concerns over the longseething sea disputes and “voiced their strong opposition to coercive unilateral actions that could alter the status quo and increase tensions.”

They urged rival claimant states in the South China Sea “to refrain from land reclamation, construction of outposts, militarization of

President Rodrigo Duterte welcomes Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop in Malacañang on Monday, Aug. 7.

Philstar.com photo by Krizjohn Rosales

disputed features and undertaking unilateral actions that cause permanent physical change to the marine environment in areas pending delimitation.”

The contending states should clarify their claims peacefully in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, according to the three, who met on the sidelines of annual meetings of Asia-pacific foreign ministers in Manila, including those from China and Russia.

Their remarks, aimed at taming aggression in the disputed waters, are considerably stronger than a joint statement of concern issued by ASEAN, a 10-nation bloc whose economies depend

heavily on China.

Their stance contrasts with that of China, which opposes what it calls meddling by the US and other Western governments in the Asian disputes. Beijing wants the disputes to be resolved through one-on-one negotiations.

China’s territorial disputes in the strategic and potentially oil- and gas-rich waterway with Taiwan and ASEAN memberstates Brunei, Malaysia, the philippines and Vietnam intensified after Beijing built islands in the disputed waters in recent years and reportedly started to install a missile defense system on them, alarming rival claimant states as well as the US and other Western governments. n

Fil-Am LAPD Officer Matthew Medina still...

PAGE A1 normal duties as part of the Los Angeles police Department’s (LApD) Harbor Division gang unit. By his side was his close friend, Dante pagulayan, also an officer with the department.

The two knew each other since they were about 14 years old in high school and ended up going to Cal State Long Beach together, before eventually joining the LApD. It was at the college, pagulaya shared, where Medina met his wife Angelee with whom the latter now has two beautiful daughters.

“Matt is one of the funniest guys I know,” pagulayan shared about his friend during a recent interview with the Asian Journal. “If you want to have a good time, he’s going to be your guy.”

Currently, Medina remains in quarantine after having been diagnosed with aplastic anemia, a rare disease that claims 600-900 people in the United States each year, according to the Aplastic Anemia and MDS International Foundation (AA/MDS).

The fact that he’s Filipino presents a larger challenge.

Finding a donor Aplastic anemia, or bone marrow failure, is a blood disease in which bone marrow fails to make enough blood cells for the body.

According to AA/MDS, it can affect anyone regardless of race or gender but is diagnosed more often in children, young adults, and older adults. It also appears more often in Asian Americans.

For Medina, the disease seemed to come out of nowhere. “Matt was a very precautious guy,” shared pagulayan about Medina’s health habits. “He always took care of himself, took vitamins, went to the doctor… He was that kind of guy.”

During a previous interview in May, Medina told the Asian Journal, “I’ve never had any type of serious illness, so a lot of things were going through my head, like wondering if it’s cancer or something fatal or incurable. A bunch of scenarios were just running through my head.”

Radiation and chemotherapy, toxic chemical exposure, use of certain drugs, and autoimmune disorders are some factors known to injure bone marrow, thus affecting blood cell reproduction. But for the most part, there’s no telling for sure

Matthew Medina with wife Angelee and their daughters.

what causes aplastic anemia.

Getting a bone marrow transplant is the only cure for aplastic anemia. However, finding a match is a major obstacle that those diagnosed are forced to face.

In order for a transplant to be successful, both the donor and beneficiary need to share eight human leukocyte antigens (HLA), or cell markers. This explains why more chances of success happen between a donor and receiver of the same ethnic background.

For Medina and many others, chances of recovery are greatly reduced simply due to the number of minority-group members registered to be potential bone marrow matches. “out of the 12 million people registered, only 0.5 percent were Filipino,” said pagulayan. “It was quite a surprise.”

As of 2016, the number of Asians recorded in Be The Match’s registry made up only six percent of the total registered, shared Ayumi Nagata, Recruitment Manager of Asians for Miracle Marrow Matches (A3M).

The lowest percentage came from those who identified as Native Hawaiian/other pacific Islander — their percentage hovered at 0.1 percent. The largest group at 57 percent — with 7.8 million — comprise of those who are White.

While transplants between family members have worked, it’s rarely the case, according to Mixed Marrow, a foundation dedicated to increasing bone marrow and blood cell donors for patients of multi-ethnic descent. Finding a match within the family is only successful 30 percent of the time, leaving 70 percent searching elsewhere.

Nagata has encountered a number of cultural and reli-

gious reasons that explain the low number of Asian registrants, but the lack of familiarity and awareness remain the biggest culprits. organizations like Mixed Marrow and A3M are working together to disprove these misconceptions by focusing on increasing awareness through outreach within cultural contexts. one common misconception is that donating marrow is painful. Nagata informed that most procedures are done through nonsurgical peripheral Blood Stem Cell (pBSC) donations where cells are collected through the blood rather than the bone itself.

Umbilical cord blood is another source, and Be The Match lists a number of hospitals that collect the blood for a public cord blood bank.

Hope for Medina There are now currently 1,270 ethnically diverse, and 101 Caucasian registrants through Medina’s campaign, reported Nagata. With the help of Medina’s support group and community, there’s hope that the numbers can increase.

“He’s had friends from Crossfit gyms, from restaurants, to churches, all come together and show their support,” said pagulayan. Just last June, the philippine Basketball Association (pBA) All-Stars played against the LApD in Carson, California where a blood drive for Medina was hosted.

Since the start of Medina’s match campaign, two others in need of bone marrow transplants were able to find a match. on June 25, Medina personally posted on his Match4Matt Facebook campaign page, “Even if they never find a match for me, I can say that this campaign has been a success since it has al-

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Horn camp wants random drug PH, US divers practice diving techniques on shipwreck in Manila Bay testing for Pacquiao rematch PhiliPPine and U.S. divers practiced diving techniques on a shipwreck in Manila Bay this week, the U.S. embassy in Manila said on Saturday, Aug. 5.

“U.S. navy divers from Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit One (MDSU-1) and members of the Philippine Coast Guard Special Operations Group (PCGSOG) participated in a combined information exchange and diving survey on the sunken vessel MV Captain Ufuk in Manila Bay’s South harbor,” the embassy said in a statement.

The activity focused on ship salvage techniques, diving operations, side scan sonar, remotely-operated vehicle operations, damage control, de-watering, as Cdr. Edgardo Hernando, chief of the PCG well as cutting and welding.

Special Operations Group, some of whose The PCGSOG personnel also members joined the diving exercises with toured the USnS Salvor, the U.S. Navy divers.

N. Korea has no intention...

PAGE A1 that it will also go offensive against countries who will participate in Washington’s military actions against Pyongyang.

“We have no intention to use nuclear weapons or threaten with nuclear weapons against any other country except the US, unless it joins military action of the US against the DPRK,” Ri said in a statement released to reporters. he also maintained that DPRK “will, under no circumstances, put the nukes and ballistic rockets on the negotiating table.” “neither shall we flinch even an inch from the road to bolstering up the nuclear forces chosen by ourselves, unless the hostile policy and the nuclear threat of the U.S. against the DPRK are fundamentally eliminated,” he added.

The foreign minister noted that north Korea’s “possession of nuclear weapons and intercontinental ballistic missiles is a legitimate option for self-defense in the face of a clear and real nuclear threat posed by the U.S.” he further criticized Washington for “trying to internationalize the nuclear issue” when the threat is only confined to U.S. “The US is trying to inter-

nationalize the nuclear issue of the Korean peninsula by abusing the Un (United nations) while clamoring that the DPRK’s possession of nuclear weapons is a ‘global threat.’”

Ri claimed.

Over the weekend, Un announced that it is backing a USdrafted resolution strengthening sanctions on north Korea.

Ri went on to say, “it is an unreserved expression of the ‘America First’ policy to hide its responsibility for and the essence of the issue which is thoroughly a matter between the DPRK and the US and to satisfy its own interest at the expense of others.”

Days earlier, the ASeAn foreign ministers released a statement reiterating the membering states’ grave concern over the rising tension in the Korean Peninsula, as well as the call for denuclearization in the area.

“We reiterate our support for the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula in a peaceful manner, call for the exercise of self-restraint and underscore the importance of creating conditions conducive for dialogue to de-escalate tensions,” the ASeAn said in a joint statement on Saturday, August 5.

The regional bloc also

Safeguard-class salvage ship from which the US. navy divers and salvage personnel operate during this activity.

The MV Captain Ufuk sank roughly a year ago, posing a hazard to navigation in Manila Bay, the embassy said.

The activity also aimed to gather more information to plan for refloating and relocating the MV Captain Ufuk at a later date.

The commander of PCGSOG, Cdr. edgardo hernando, met with the MSDU-1 dive teams as well as engineering and salvage representatives from US Combined Task Force 73, who will be joining in a long-term engagement plan to facilitate combined operations in the future to refloat and salvage the vessel, the embassy said. (Frances Mangosing/ Inquirer.net) “strongly call” on the DPRK, as a participant of the ARF, “to positively contribute” in maintaining the Asia-Pacific as “a region of lasting peace, stability, friendship and prosperity.”

Philippine Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, who is chair of the ASeAn Foreign Ministers Meeting in Manila, presented ASeAn’s sentiments to DPRK’s top diplomat before the east Asia Summit Foreign Ministers Meeting on Monday.

“The statement was not borne out of lost friendship but is because of frustration that there seems to be no opening for discussions or dialogue to address the impasse on the issues in the Korean Peninsula,” Cayetano told Ri, according to a statement released by the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs.

Cayetano, likewise, affirmed ASeAn’s commitment to engage Pyongyang during the ARF. “however, there is a sentiment across ASeAn that for this engagement to be truly productive and beneficial not just to ASeAn but to our region and the world, we need to ensure that there is a mutual openness and communication amongst us,” he added.

Ri, in turn, thanked his counterpart for conveying the sentiments of his fellow ASeAn ministers, adding that he understood their position. (Dana Sioson/AJPress)

by Dino

Maragay Philstar.com

The camp of Jeff horn will push for the implementation of random drug testing in case the Australian’s planned rematch with Manny Pacquiao is a go. in a report by Phil lutton of the Sydney Morning Herald, horn’s trainer Glenn Rushton said he wasn’t contented with the standard post-fight drug test held during the bout last month.

Pacquiao and horn subjected themselves to the usual urine test after their July 2 bout in Brisbane, Australia, and both tested negative for performance-enhancing drugs. now, Rushton wants more stringent testing for the rematch, turning to the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association, which conducts random, Olympic-style tests on competing athletes. “i’m very happy with any drug testing. i signed Jeff up for the WBC-VADA clean boxing program, which means you can be tested at any time. As an Olympian, we’re used to this sort of drug testing. We’ve had to do this many times. he’s clean as a whistle,” said the Australian trainer.

Pacquiao was initially not recep-

Trainer Glenn Rushton and Jeff Horn

tive to the idea of getting tested any time in training camp leading to a major fight, citing his fear of needles. The issue has been a central factor in the failed initial negotiations with the camp of Floyd Mayweather Jr. But the Filipino icon eventually gave in to the process, and his bout with Mayweather pushed through two years ago.

Rushton will be batting for the same arrangement in an effort to avoid controversy the next time Pacquiao and horn take on each

ASEAN, China adopt framework...

PAGE A2 confidence building measures as well to prevent miscalculations on the ground,” Bolivar added.

China, under its so-called nine dash line, has claimed almost the entire South China Sea. Beijing’s massive claim has been partly disputed by its neighboring countries. The COC aims to prevent clashes between rival claimants.

On Monday, August 7, the

foreign ministers of the United States, Australia, and Japan “voiced their strong opposition to coercive unilateral actions that could alter the status quo and increase tensions.” in a joint statement, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and Japan’s new top diplomat, Taro Kono, called on rivaling claimants in the disputed sea “to refrain from land recla-

Wife says Comelec chief...

PAGE A2 from “illegal or immoral acts or conduct” during her husband’s time in office. “i want to make a distinction of the ‘clean’ and ‘dirty’ money that forms part of our conjugal property as husband and wife.

After all, Andy had worked in the private sector before joining the government and his income from

the private sector was substantial as well,” she said. however, she can not make the distinction herself since it is Bautista who “controls most, if not all, of our finances,” she said.

She added that her husband knew she had in her possession all the documents she mentioned in her nBi affidavit.

Financial support cut “As his reprisal, Andy has pur-

Philstar.com photo

other. “it is something i’d bring up because what i don’t want is for them to go ‘The only way i can win this fight is if we are trying to get an unfair advantage’,” Rushton said. “i would certainly be very mindful of that. We want the big fights, but we want a level playing field. horn upset Pacquiao with a unanimous decision victory to come away with the WBO welterweight strap.

Pacquiao has a rematch clause and said he will exercise it. n mation, construction of outposts, militarization of disputed features, and undertaking unilateral actions that cause permanent physical change to the marine environment in areas pending delimitation.”

They also urged their ASeAn counterparts to swiftly negotiate a legally binding maritime code with China. in addition to the Philippines, ASeAn-member states include Brunei, Cambodia, indonesia, lao, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. n posely cut off any financial support that he has previously given to me and my family, in the hopes that this act would pressure me to give up the documents and information i have against him,” she said.

Patricia also said in her affidavit that she believed her husband, “although extremely professionally qualified, should not be allowed to hold any government position as a consequence of the possible ramifications of what i have found.” n

A6 AUGUST 9-11, 2017 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

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OPINION

General meeting

FEATURES

CONTRARY to popular opinion, none of the world’s top diplomats, who gathered in Manila on August 2-8 to attend the 50th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and Related Meetings, brought up the alleged spate of extrajudicial killings in the Philippines.

Not a single member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has indicated an interest to be briefed on the extrajudicial killings allegedly perpetrated by the current administration, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

It maintained that the Philippine government remains committed to combating the drug problem jointly with the ASEAN and the international community as Manila underscored the 10-nation bloc’s position on sovereign rights and responsibility of each country to decide on the best approach to address the drug menace.

Led by DFA Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, ASEAN foreign ministers discussed the region’s progress on ASEAN-community-building efforts and its stance on critical political and security issues, with their 17 other dialogue partners from major powers, such as the U.S., Russia, Japan, and China.

“We were able to passionately argue our national interests but, at the same time, we put first regional interest to come out as friends with solutions to our problems,” Cayetano said in his opening speech.

Among the issues discussed were the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, resolution of disputes in the South China Sea, violent extremism and terrorism, and transnational crimes.

“If there is a single characteristic that makes our community truly unique and admirable, it is the existence of the peaceful settlement of regional disputes and on regional cooperation as the best, if not the surest means of achieving peace,” Cayetano added.

It was U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson’s first time in the Philippines as he represented Washington during the ASEAN meetings. During his courtesy call at Malacañang Palace, Tillerson met with Pres. Rodrigo Duterte to discuss the PHU.S. alliance and their shared goals in addressing global terrorism threats and economic cooperation.

In return, Duterte thanked the United States for its assistance as he called himself its “humble friend” in Southeast Asia. The president also emphasized that there were no talks on human rights tions, ASEAN and its dialogue partners are moving forward to pursue higher goals. concerns during his meeting with Tillerson.

Now in its 50th year, the ASEAN community is Despite obstacles set by conflicts among na-

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

sure to meet its vision of becoming an alliance that has withstood the test of time, assuring regional peace and stability for its people. (AJPress)

Sanctuary cities that protect undocumented immigrants: Good or bad for Filipinos in America?

PRESIDENT Donald Trump ran on the cam- The Fil-Am paign promise that he would intensify the Perspective crackdown on illegal immigrants — and he is doing just that.

There are places in the country, though, GEL SANTOS-RELOS that have declared themselves as “sanctuary cities” to provide a safe haven for undocumented immigrants in their jurisdiction by limiting limit how local law enforcement can cooperate with federal immigration agents. Barely five days after taking office, Trump signed an executive order aimed at blocking federal funding to “sanctuary cities.”

This issue is very close to the heart of the Filipino-American community, as we have a lot of kababayans who are living and working in the United States without all the required immigration papers. Many of the sanctuary cities are densely populated areas across the United States with numerous Filipinos living within and their jurisdiction.

SAN FRANCISCO is among the about 300 “sanctuary cities” which have barred local police from helping federal authorities kick out any immigrants who came to the U.S. illegally.

To understand their policy and how they operate to provide a safe haven for undocumented immigrants, let me share with you the information provided by the city: In 1989, San Francisco passed the “City and County of Refuge” Ordi-

nance (also known as the Sanctuary Ordinance).

The Sanctuary Ordinance generally prohibits City employees from using City funds or resources to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the enforcement of Federal immigration law unless such assistance is required by federal or state law.

In 2013, San Francisco passed the “Due Process for All” Ordinance. This ordinance limits when City law enforcement officers may give ICE advance notice of a person’s release from local jail. It also prohibits cooperation with ICE detainer requests, sometimes referred to as “ICE holds.”

These ordinances were last amended in July 2016. Under current law, City employees may not use City resources to: a) Assist or cooperate with any ICE investigation, detention, or arrest relating to alleged violations of the civil provisions of federal immigration law. b) Ask about immigration status on any application for City benefits, services, or opportunities, except as required by federal or state statute, regulation, or court decision. c) Limit City services or benefits based on immigration status, unless required by federal or state statute or regulation, public assistance criteria, or court decision.

d) Provide information about the release status or personal information of any individual, except in limited circumstances when law enforcement may respond to ICE requests for notification about when an individual will be released from custody. e) Detain an individual on the basis of a civil immigration detainer after that individual becomes eligible for release from custody.

WHAT is the rationale behind San Francisco’s adoption of the “sanctuary ordinance”?

“The Sanctuary Ordinance promotes public trust and cooperation. It helps keep our communities safe by making sure that all residents, regardless of immigration status, feel comfortable calling the Police and Fire Departments during emergencies and cooperating with City agencies during public safety situations. It helps keep our communities healthy by making sure that all residents, regardless of immigration status, feel comfortable accessing City public health services and benefit programs.”

MORE cities in the United States have been urged by their residents to declare their cities as “sanctuary cities.” Since Trump became president, the apprehension, detention and deportation of undocumented immigrants — with or without criminal records — have spiked under his Administration.

Just last week, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced that sanctuary jurisdictions will lose access to certain federal law enforcement grants in 2017

if they: 1) Prohibit their local officials from communicating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement; 2) Block ICE from interviewing jail inmates; or 3) Fail to notify ICE of the pending release of criminal aliens in 48 hours ICE is seeking to deport.

THIS is now being challenged in court for the first time by the City of Chicago, another city with a big Filipino population. On Monday, August 7, Chicago filed a lawsuit against the Department of Justice for what many sanctuary cities contend as “illegal bids to withhold public safety grants from so-called sanctuary cities.”

Chicago has received the grant funds since 2005, and as TIME has reported, the city has spent $33 million in grants to buy nearly 1,000 police cars in that 12-year period; it got $2.3 million last year. In addition to cars, funds were also used for radios and SWAT equipment.

CHICAGO’s ARGUMENT: “The government can’t “unilaterally” set new conditions that weren’t approved by Congress “and that would federalize local jails and police stations, mandate warrantless detentions in order to investigate for federal civil infractions, sow fear in local immigrant communities, and ultimately make the people of Chicago less safe.”

TIME reported that Chicago has been adopting sanctuary city policies since the mid-80s, and like San Francisco, “the city prohibits police from providing federal Immigration and Customs officials access to people in

police custody, unless they are wanted on a criminal warrant or have serious criminal convictions. Local police are also barred from allowing ICE agents to use their facilities for interviews or investigations and from responding to ICE inquiries or talking to ICE officials about a person’s custody status or release date.”

Chicago’s city authorities point out in the lawsuit that these policies help encourage the residents of the immigrant community to inform police when they are victims of crimes. “If Chicago submits to the Department’s demands, it will forfeit decades’ worth of trust and goodwill that its police force has built in the communities it serves…And as those decades of experience show, that kind of trust, once lost, is lost forever.”

Sessions responded: The Trump administration “will not simply give away grant dollars to city governments that proudly violate the rule of law and protect criminal aliens at the expense of public safety.”

“So it’s this simple: Comply with the law or forego taxpayer dollars.”

WHAT DO YOU THINK? Are “sanctuary cities” good or bad for the Filipino-American community in America, and to the United States in general? *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www. facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos

Telling numbers at Comelec and Customs

Opinion

RICARDO SALUDO HOUSE Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and other supporters of the easy marriage dissolution bill just got another reason to facilitate matters for couples in discord: the claim of Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista’s wife Patricia that he had nearly a billion pesos in hidden wealth.

The election czar’s conjugal wealth and woes were brought to no less than President Rodrigo Duterte, himself no stranger to annulled unions. The Chief Executive turned marriage counselor to the Bautistas, reportedly eliciting tears from the husband.

But that didn’t stop the wife from paying a visit to the National Bureau of Investigation and swearing an affidavit detailing the alleged assets of her husband. The latter denied such wealth, though he didn’t declare, as others accused of ill-gotten gains did, that those who find the

purported money and property could have it all.

No matter. Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre 2nd instructed the NBI to “conduct investigation and case build-up over the alleged failure to disclose pertinent information required in the statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN) of Chairperson Andres D. Bautista contained in the affidavit of Mrs. Patricia Paz Bautista, including possible determination of violation of Anti-Money Laundering Law and other related laws.”

Last time a wife detailed conjugal property, a former comptroller of the Armed Forces, Gen. Carlos Garcia, was hauled before the Sandiganbayan. His missus and his son were caught

by San Francisco customs with far more cash in their luggage than the $10,000 amount requiring explanation where the money came from.

Mrs. Garcia then listed the family treasures in a signed declaration, which the U.S. government promptly shared with our Ombudsman. While she could

not be made to testify against her husband, her enumeration of bank deposits, real estate, and other assets accumulated on a general’s pay gave investigators a roadmap to find what the Garcias had stashed away.

If his wife’s testimony also leads to far more wealth than he had listed in his SALN, Chairman Bautista could perhaps explain his understated assets by saying they were tabulated by vote counting machines used in the provinces where candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr. lost to Vice President Leni Robredo.

Here comes the bribe Also feeling hugely uncomfortable this week are officials of the Bureau of Customs named by broker Mark Ruben Taguba as having received bribes from him, as he continued his testimony to the House committee on dangerous drugs.

Among the alleged BoC bribe takers were: Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Teddy Raval, district collector Vincent Philip Maronilla of the Manila International Container Port, di-

rector Niel Estrella of the Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme, director Milo Maestrecampo of the Import and Assessment Service and the Assessment and Operational Coordinating Group.

Somewhat luckier were nine others whose full names Taguba missed. What he gave them, however, he remembered clearly. For every cargo container released, he gave the following amounts: P3,000 for the port collector; P2,000 for the intelligence group, P500 eachfor the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service director, the Enforcement and Security Service Director, and the ESS Command; P1,000 for the container x-ray person, P10,000 each for cargo tracking Commission on Elections Chairman Andres Bautista holds a press conference at the poll body’s Philstar.com photo by Edd Gumban and the Import Assessment Ser- main office in Intramuros, Manila on Monday, Aug. 7. vices; and P7,500 for the sector million daily. for BoC’s bosses. One wonders if staffer.

And since President Duterte those named are now quaking in Assuming that only 100 con- aims to base his decision on their shoes—or making a mountainers go through this payola Customs Commissioner Nica- tain of hay before quitting time. system every day, just a frac- nor Faeldon on congressional And to think it all began when tion of the thousands released reports about the bureau, the a lady lawyer called the fourthby Customs, the grease would Taguba testimony sounds like an highest official in the land an range between P50,000 to P1 exit call, if not a trial summons “imbecile.” (ManilaTimes.net)

The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.

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Dateline PhiliPPines

LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 9-11, 2017

A

Dateline PhiliPPines

Russia offers assistance to PH drug war, anti-terrorism efforts

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

Russia has offered its assistance to the Philippine government in the latter’s campaign against terrorism, drug trafficking, and criminality.

Earlier this week, Philippine Foreign secretary alan Peter Cayetano met with his counterpart, Russian Foreign Minister sergey Lavrov, on the sidelines of the East asia summit Foreign Ministers Meeting held at the Philippine international Convention Center (PiCC). in a statement, Cayetano said both countries “agreed to fast track negotiations for pending bilateral agreements, particularly on military-technical cooperation, illegal narcotics, and law enforcement.” according to him, Moscow’s offer to assist Manila is of “vital importance” to the Philippines, emphasizing Russia’s “great expertise, vast experience and modern equipment in dealing with

terrorism and other security concerns.”

Cayetano added that his counterpart requested him to convey to Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte that Moscow stands in “solidarity with his efforts to eliminate any extremist threat to your country and our appreciation for your solidarity with Russia’s fight against terrorism.”

Quoting Lavrov, the Philippine diplomat said that Russia believes that the fight against “terrorism is something that must unite all of us.” in turn, Cayetano thanked Moscow for offering its help to improve the capabilities of the Philippines’ security forces in dealing with threats posed by islamic state terrorist-linked groups operating in Mindanao.

He further expressed appreciation the Russian Ministry for Civil Defense, Emergencies and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters’ offer to send a cargo aircraft carrying relief assistance for displaced families in

Marawi City.

The two diplomats also discussed trade and investment, education and research and other areas of cooperation that the Philippines and Russia could explore.

On Monday, august 7, Duterte met with top diplomats from the united states and australia, the two countries that have been critical of his drug war because of the alleged human rights violations.

The chief executive, however, said that the diplomats have “considerably toned down” their criticism on the human rights situation in the Philippines. according to Duterte, his discussions with australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and u.s. secretary of state Rex Tillerson revolved “mostly” around terrorism.

“They have considerably toned down on human rights,” Duterte said. “Nobody… mostly it was terrorism. But no one is asking me about human rights. There’s no more.” n

Philstar.com

Viray

MaNiLa — Filipinos consider isis, global climate change and cyber-attacks from other countries as the leading security threat to their country, according to a Washington-based fact tank. a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center showed that seven out of 10 or 70 percent of Filipinos see isis as the top threat in the Philippines Global climate change and cyber-attacks turned out as major security concerns with 65 percent and 64 percent, respectively.

Only 47 percent of the respondents consider China’s power and

influence as a major threat while 46 percent saw the condition of the global economy and a large number of refugees as a concern.

The power and influence of Russia and the united states are not seen as a major threat to the Philippines with 26 percent and 25 percent, respectively. among the seven asia Pacific countries surveyed, four countries considered isis as a major security threat — indonesia (74 percent), the Philippines (70 percent), india (66 percent) and australia (59 percent). a median of 62 percent sees the international terror group as a major concern.

Japan (76 percent) pointed cyber-attacks from other countries

he hopes that the upward trend continues toward remission. “i am not out of the woods yet,” he added. “There is still a long road to recovery ahead, but the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel is definitely getting brighter.”

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

PHiLiPPiNE Budget secretary Benjamin Diokno said next year’s proposed budget for other government agencies could be cut to fund the newly signed law granting free tuition for students of state universities and colleges (suCs) nationwide.

Last week, President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Republic act 10931 or “universal access to Quality Tertiary Education act” into law.

The proposed 2018 budget, which had been submitted by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) last month, does not include the needed appropriation for the recently signed law.

“Kasi zero-sum game yan eh.

Fixed na yung total mo. (It’s a zero-sum game. Your total is fixed.) There will be some cuts here and there to accommodate additional requirements. But right now we have not yet decided how much,” Diokno said

with the uniFasT Board, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), TEsDa, the president of the university of the Philippines, and members of the House appropriations committee and senate finance committee on Wednesday, august 9, to discuss the budget for the free college education law.

Earlier this week, Duterte admitted that he was aware of the funding concerns when he signed the law.

“Kasi ang pag-approve ng Congress, alam naman nila walang pera. Eh pagdating sa akin alam ko man na walang pera. (When Congress approved, they knew we had no budget. I also knew we had no budget when I approved it),” Duterte told reporters in a chance interview.

Malacañang said the president signed the measure despite opposition from his economic team, believing that the longterm benefits of the bill would outweigh its hefty cost. n

tering to be a match, Pagulayan said to think of a loved one and But as Pagulayan shared, what would happen if you woke the only way to really revert up and found out they had the it is through a bone marrow disease.

“Even when i say it, it transplant. Medina’s condition can change just as quick gives me a bit of a chill,” said as how he found out he had the Pagulayan. “it’s just not something you anticipate. Today disease.

To those thinking about regis- everything is fine and the next

day, your whole world is upside down.”

To join a registry, anyone up to 60 years old can sign up, but donors between ages 18-44 are preferred. There are also medical conditions that may make someone ineligible. The process itself takes less than five minutes, according to

Nagata. as Pagulayan put it, “it takes less time to swab your cheeks than it takes to fill out the paperwork.”

More information on registering can be found on Be the Match’s website. To join Medina’s registry, visit www.join. bethematch.org/match4matt.

(Rae Ann Varona / AJPress)

as a major international concern while south Korea (83 percent) and Vietnam (80 percent) identified China’s power and influence as a leading threat. in general, people around the globe identified isis and climate change as major threats to national security with medians of 62 percent and 61 percent, respectively.

The survey was conducted from February 16 to May 8 among 41,953 respondents in 38 countries.

The poll comes after the declaration of martial law in Mindanao, which was triggered by a clash between government forces and isis-inspired Maute group in Marawi City. n

Fil-Am LAPD Officer Matthew Medina still...

PAGE A4 ready helped save the lives of at least two people (so far).”

For Medina, the search continues but he remains optimistic. On his Facebook post, he shared that his blood cell counts have increased and

Budget cuts eyed to fund free tuition law during a senate hearing.

R.a. 10931 aims to provide subsidies to students at suCs, local tertiary schools, as well as institutions accredited with the Technical Education and skills Development authority (TEsDa). it also covers other charges, such as “library fees, computer fees, laboratory fees, school iD fees, athletic fees, admission fees, development fees, guidance fees, handbook fees, entrance fees, registration fees, medical and dental fees, cultural and other similar or related fees.”

Diokno said the free tuition policy will take effect next school year, regardless of the qualified students’ financial standings.

While the final figure has yet to be determined, the budget secretary earlier estimated that the policy would require a funding of P100 billion, which he said the government “cannot afford” for the moment.

The DBM is slated to meet

Poll: 7 in 10 Filipinos see ISIS as leading security threat

by Patricia LourDeS

STOPPING THE GARLIC CARTEL. Sen. Cynthia Villar, chair of the Committee on Agriculture and Food during the continuation of the inquiry on the spike in garlic prices, pointed out that the persistent problem of cartel could only be addressed with the prosecution of identified cartel players and the improvement of local garlic production. Villar said she will see to it that the Department of Agriculture (DA) would implement a long-term program to make the garlic industry more competitive. Photo also shows DA Secretary Emmanuel Piñol and Sen. Manny Pacquiao.

Senate photo

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LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 9-11, 2017

BUSINESSJ& COMMUNITY ournal

B

Uber criticizes rules as taxi operators play catch-up

by Reicelene Joy ignacio ManilaTimes.net

CURRENT transportation rules do not jibe with technological advancements and the government should keep this in mind in attempts to regulate ride-sharing, an Uber official said on Thursday, August 3.

“We cannot impose 1900s regulations, when there were no internet and smartphones,” said Yves Gonzales, Uber Philippines government relations and public policy head, during a Senate hearing on transport network vehicle services (TNVS).

“Let’s simplify processes.

We are not against applying for accreditation. What we are against is inefficient process for TNVS,” Gonzales said.

Senator Grace Poe, head of the Senate committee on public services, agreed and

said the government must come up with updated laws.

“Technology and market should dictate how the transport sector should evolve,” Poe said, adding that the “lack of [a]legal framework still puts TNVS in limbo in our country.”

She said it was the government’s fault why ridesharing companies are exploiting loopholes in laws and regulations.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has threatened a crackdown against Uber and rivals such as Grab for allowing

u PAGE B2

Gov’t eyes additional P1B in ‘sin’ tax take a month

by Ben de

VeRa Inquirer.net

AS a result of its tough stance against cigarette manufacturer Mighty Corp. for alleged tax evasion, the government would collect an additional P1 billion in “sin” taxes monthly, Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III said.

“Please accept my warmest commendations for the great work the Bureau of Internal Revenue has done in the case of Mighty. Assiduous investigative work and effective enforcement broke what could be the biggest instance of tax fraud in our country,” Dominguez said in a speech during the BIR’s 113th anniversary last Wednesday, August 2.

Global smart city market to reach $1.5T

by Reicelene Joy ignacio ManilaTimes.net

THE global smart city market could reach to $1.5-trillion by 2020 and prove to be one of the biggest investment avenues for private investors and institutions, according to market consultancy firm Frost & Sullivan.

Smart Cities were defined as cities built on “smart” and intelligent” solutions and technology that will lead to the adoption of at least five of the eight parameters: energy, buildings, mobility, healthcare, infrastruc-

ture, technology, governance and education, and citizens.

“The capital-intensive task of transforming cities into seamless ecosystems is prompting governments to seamless ecosystems is prompting governments to explore revenue sources beyond internal bodies and join hands with financial intermediaries and private investors,” Frost & Sullivan said in an analysis released late Thursday, August 3.

“With the rising connectedness of things and people, the global smart city market could expand to $1.5 trillion by 2020 and

prove to be one of the biggest investment avenues for private investors and institutions,” it added.

Stakeholders in developing countries often resort to direct financing through government allocations or international grants, with the latter particularly dependent on political and economic stability.

Stakeholders in developed economies, on the other hand, rely more on revenue-based financing models.

“Stakeholders from both types of econo-

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‘Free tuition to put pressure on budget deficit’

by MaRy

gRace Philstar.com

Inquirer photo

“As a result of the BIR’s decisive action against Mighty, we now expect revenues from sin taxes to increase by P1 billion a month,” Dominguez added.

The BIR had filed in the Department of Justice three tax evasion cases against Bulacanbased Mighty and its top executives for a total of P37.9 billion

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Padin

MANILA - The new law providing universal access to tertiary education might put pressure on the government’s budget deficit ceiling unless the government raises more revenues or cuts down on other costs, the Department of Finance (DOF) said last Friday, August 4.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said the government would need to implement revenue-generating or saving measures in order to implement the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act without exceeding its fiscal deficit ceiling of three percent of gross domestic product (GDP).

FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS

( Mt Carmel, Mt Beatitude, Mt.Tabor, Cana, Capernum, Nazareth, Mt. of Olives, Old & New Jerusalem, Bethlehem Qumran, Masada, Jericho )

Dec 3 to 14, 2017

Spiritual Director: Rev. Fr. Alvin Cachola

“Any expenditure without the corresponding identifiable revenue will put a squeeze on the budget deficit at the percentage allowed. In our case, three percent is actually a very hard ceiling. Anything you spend more, it has to come out from something – either you raise more money or you cut other expenses,” Dominguez said.

Dominguez cited the Rightsizing Bill currently pending in the Congress as one measure that may be able help cover the expenses needed for the provision of free tuition fee in state universities and colleges.

“Rightsizing is good, maybe this rightsizing (bill) will pay for something like this,” the finance chief said.

Assuming 38,294 of general servants

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Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said the government would need to implement revenue-generating or saving measures in order to implement the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act without exceeding its fiscal deficit ceiling of three percent of gross domestic product.

DOF file photo

Havan�, Cub� May 22 to 29, 2018

May 22, 2018 (Tuesday - Day 1) Los Angeles to Havana, Cuba Depart from LAX to Havana, Cuba. Upon arrival in Havana, meet our guide and transfer to the hotel for dinner.

May 23, 2018 (Wednesday - Day 2) Havana, Cuba Our day will begin with mass at the Cathedral of Havana located in the center of Old Havana. After On board meals are served mass, proceed for a city tour of Old Havana with an experienced local tour guide. The tour will take 4 DEC-Day 2 - (Mon) - Arrive at Ben Gurion airport Tel-Aviv/Tiberias place on foot and you will visit all the squares of Old Havana. Take in the astonishing beauty of the After you have finished Immigration, collect Luggage then Meet our guide and driver. Transfer to Tiberias , Dinner /overnight Gai Beach Hotel historical buildings, sculptures, and monuments. After lunch you will have free time to bargain at the 5 DEC-Day 3 - (Tues) Cesarea /Haifa San Jose Craft Market. (Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) 3 DEC-Day 1 - (Sun) LAX/TLV

There was a certain man in Caesarea” Drive north to the sparkling port city of Haifa, viewing Caesarea en route, the city built by Herod. In Haifa, we will ascend Mt. Carmel; home of the two prophets Elijah and Elisha, Visit the Stella Maris Church celebrate Holy Mass in the main Altar, after enjoy the panoramic view of the Mediterranean, continue to Tiberias for dinner and overnight. Gai Beach Hotel (BB,D)

May 24, 2018 (Thursday – Day 3) Havana, Cuba This morning, we will visit the Convent and Church of Our Lady of Bethlehem. This religious complex is the most extensive of those surviving in Old Havana. Here you will attend mass. After mass, you will meet with the 6 DEC-Day 4 - (Wed) - Tiberias/ Cana/ Nazareth Holy Eucharist at the Church of annunciation “And Mary said, Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your nuns and assist with projects of the day. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. In the evening you will assist word” We head to Cana of Galilee, where Our Lord performed the first miracle – changing water into wine at the wedding feast. Here, we’ll a Cuban cultural demonstration. (Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) invite couples to renew their marriage vows. Continue to Nazareth, Celebrate Holy Eucharist at the Church of Annunciation, visit St Joseph workshop. We return to Gai Beach Hotel for our dinner and overnight. (BB/D)

07 Dec-Day 5 - (Thurs) Mt Tabor/Mt Beatitude/Capernum/ Sea of Galilee/Tabgha

We drive to Mount Tabor, celebrate Holy Eucharist at the church of Transfiguration, Visit Mt. of Beatitudes the site of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus preached to the people. enjoy a scenic boat ride across the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum, home of Our Lord during his ministry. After visiting the Synagogue where he taught, proceed to Tabgha, the site of the miracle of the loaves and fishes. Gai Beach Hotel for our dinner and overnight. (BB/D)

May 25, 2018 (Friday – Day 4) Havana, Cuba You will have mass at the Convent and Church of Our Lady of Bethlehem. After mass, you will continue to assist the nuns. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. This evening in Havana, we will plan an exciting tour of the historical complex of Castillo del and La Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabana. If the timing and weather conditions permitted, you will witness the special nightly cannon at the fortress. (Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

08 DEC-Day 6 - (FRI)-Jordan valley/Jericho/Bethany/Jerusalem

May 26, 2018 (Saturday – Day 5) Havana, Cuba Start the morning off with mass at a local church in Havana. After, you will visit the Abel Santamaria School for the blind, located on the grounds of an old military base. The school aims to integrate the children into mainstream schools as soon as the child is ready through an outreach program which continues to support children at their secondary schools. You will spend time meeting the students 09 DEC-Day 7 - (Sat) - Jerusalem (old City) - Via Dolorosa and teachers. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Cintio Vitier Community Project Center, where arts Holy Sepulcher Church “And he bearing his cross went forth into a place of a skull, which was called in Hebrew Golgotha” Enter the old city of Jerusalem, Sing a hymn in the Church of St Anne and view the pool of Bethesda. Visit the Chapel of Flagellation, Programs of all types including painting, ceramic and dance hosted. You will learn about this community project and hear from Lithostrotos, where the soldiers played the Game of Kings, and Arch of the “Ecce Homo”. Follow the Via Dolorosa (Way of the Cross) to the the director of the program, Pedro Pulido. End your day with a panoramic drive through Modern Havana riding in old classic cars holiest shrine in Christendom, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, visit Golgotha and the tomb of Our Lord. This afternoon drive to Mount Zion, from the 1950’s. Be sure to have your camera ready for this unique experience. (Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Drive the Jordan Valley to Jericho, the oldest inhabited city in the world. View the Mount of temptation, where Jesus spent 40 days fasting in the desert. Visit the ancient ruins of the wall. Drive through Wadi Welt to view St George’s Monastery. Continue to Bethany celebrate Holy Eucharist, and then visit the tomb of Lazarus. Arrive in Mount Scopus; enjoy the first view of Jerusalem. Dinner and overnight at Notre DAME VATICAN HOTEL (BB,D)

to visit the upper room, revered as the site of the last supper. Then survey the Dormition Abbey’s, St. Peter in Gallicantu, where Peter denied Jesus three times. Dinner and overnight at NOTRE DAME Vatican Hotel (BB.D)

10 DEC-Day 8 - (SUN) - Mount of Olives/Gethesemane/Bethlehem/New City

Holy Eucharist celebration at the Church of all nations Main altar Arrive at the Mount of Olives and enjoy the beautiful view of Jerusalem. Visit the Chapel of Ascension, Pater Noster Church and the Dominus Flevit Church”God wept “& walk the Palm Sunday road to the Garden of Gethesemane and the Church of all Nations. This Afternoon drive to Bethlehem, a city whose name the whole world recognizes ,visit the Church of Nativity, the manger, Church of St Catherine, The Grotto of St Jerome, and the shepherds fields. Dinner and overnight at NOTRE DAME VATICAN HOTEL (BB ,D).

May 27, 2018 (Sunday – Day 6) Havana – Las Terrazas – Vinales Valley Start the morning off with mass at a local church in Havana. Then you will be transferred to Las Terrazas for a tour of the community. Visit the neighborhoods, their schools, artists and community projects in the area. You will then continue to Vinales. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for check in and rest. (Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

May 28, 2018 (Monday – Day 7) Vinales Valley Start the morning off with mass at a local church in Vinales. Then you will have a sightseeing Visit the Western Wall , the only part of the Herodian temple still standing and the most sacred place in the world for Jews. We drive to Dead tour. There is an opportunity to visit a Tobacco Farm and learn how to expertly roll a cigar. You will Sea, the lowest spot on earth. Visit Qumran; see the caves where the Dead Sea scrolls were discovered. Continue to Masada, visit Herod’s also have the chance to visit an interesting site called the Prehistoric Wall and to take a Boat Ride fortress and the Jew’s last stronghold against the Roman. Return to Jerusalem Overnight Notre Dame Vatican Hotel (BB,D) through underground caves known as The Indian Caves. Then visit Finca Agroecolgica El Paraiso 12 DEC-Day10 - (TUE) Jerusalem New City where you will have lunch. After you will visit the gardens with the breath-taking views. Return to the hotel where you will have Return to the new City, Including the Temple Model to see a scale model of Jerusalem as it was during the time of Jesus. Here we will have a dinner. (Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) 11 DEC-Day 9 - ( MON) - Jerusalem/Dead Sea/Qumran/Masada

better understanding between old and New Jerusalem. Next to Ein Karem, birthplace of St John the Baptist, visit the Visitation church where Mary proclaimed her famous “Magnificat Overnight NOTRE DAME VATICAN HOTEL (BB,D)

13 Dec-Day 11 - (WED) Jerusalem/TLV/LAX

Breakfast rest of the morning Free time early PM dinner has to check out from the hotel, around 8:30 PM flight from TLV/ LAX in the 13 Dec flight depart TLV at 1:00 Am Dec 14,2017 ( end of Service )

May 29, 2018 (Tuesday – Day 8) Vinales – Havana – Los Angeles Today, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home as your trip comes to an end. (Meal: Breakfast)

B AUGUST 9-11, 2017 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

Business news

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PH to capitalize on Sports tourism “Such events rake in tourism earnings for our people as well as become excellent participaMANILA - The Philippines is tive sports and fitness venue banking on its sports tourism po- for all as there are some local tential to host a regional triathlon and international celebrities competition next year, the tourism department said.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) said it would host the Ironman Asia-Pacific Championship 2018 next year, along with the Tourism Promotions Board.

Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo said the Ironman triathlon has branded the Philippines as a crown jewel who participate. One benefit of sports tourism in Asia. is that each participant spends “Such events mark the Phil- about $3,000 and brings in ippines as a go-to destination three more companions as this for sports tourism in Southeast is a lifestyle activity,” Teo said.

Asia,” Teo said.

Ironman triathlon’s course Over the weekend, the Phil- starts at the Newtown on Macippines hosted the 2017 Cobra tan Island where athletes battle it Energy Drink Ironman 70.3, one out for T1’s swimming. T2’s bike of biggest and most complete race traverses four cities of Cebu triathlon exposition in the Asia- province forming the M-Loop for Pacific region, which was held in a headwind of urban Cebu. FiMactan, Cebu. nally, the running portion along A total of 2,782 triathletes from Punta Engano has thousands of 52 countries registered for the townsfolk cheering up to the last event, which includes a roster of participant of the marathon race. former world triathlete champiThe said race tests a person’s ons, rising stars, and mere physi- endurance and speed by overcomcal buffs. ing brutal physical efforts, which Among the notable participants is why triathletes undergo inthis year are former champions tense workout before competing.

Tim Reed (Australian), Caroline “Even its sprint or beginner’s Steffen (Swiss), Kim Kilgroe (Fil- version of half mile swimming, Aussie); and Filipino champions 12.4 miles cycling and 3.1 runAugust Benedicto and Leanne ning, Ironman 7.30 has been a Szeto. prelude to this multiple-stage A number of local celebrities competition, which has gained also registered for the event in- worldwide participation,” the cluding Matteo Guidicelli, Kim DOT said.

Atienza, Bubbles Paraiso, Dyan Moreover, the tourism departCastillejo, Paul Jake Castillo, Ivan ment said the Philippines is not far Carapiet, Piolo Pascual, Jake behind from some of the world’s Cuenca, Kim Chui, Gerald An- best known triathlon destinations derson, Enchong Dee and Xan- such as France, Norway, the UK, der Angeles.

Australia, and the US cities of Teo said this year’s Ironman New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, event begins the banner year for San Francisco, Dallas as well as sports tourism in the country. the states of Hawaii and Florida.

“With almost 3,000 triathletes participating in the Cebu Ironman, it is not far behind in terms of total numbers like 4,000 to 8,000 participants yearly for these favorite triathlete destinations,” the DOT said.

Cebu has been recognized by international tourism publications such as Conde Nast traveler magazine as well as by Travel and Leisure magazine as one of the world’s top island destinations, with more than a hundred tropical islands within the larger Philippine archipelago of 7,107 islands.

“It has its own distinct attractions which fit any triathlete’s needs, wants, and expectations for a meaningful and memorable travel experience – the refreshing coastlines, fine sand beaches, picturesque islands, native cuisine, local handicrafts, invigorating spas, diverse shopping, exciting nightlife topped by the talents and natural warmth of the Cebuanos,” the tourism department said.

Apart from the Ironman Asia Pacific Championship event next year, the Philippines is also set to host the a special edition of the Ironman race the Century Tuna Ironman Philippines.

According to Wanda Sports Holding Company, the global owner of the Ironman series, The Century Tuna Ironman will be held in Subic, Bay on June 3, 2018, as it marks the 10th anniversary of the first Ironman 70.3 event in the Philippines, which took place in Camarines Sur on August 23, 2009.

“The growth in popularity of Ironman triathlon in the Philippines is set to continue through this new addition as Subic Bay has become a destination for local and international IRONMAN athletes over the years,” Wanda sports said. n

PAGE B1 t

noting that Grab’s taxi-booking service was not exclusive.

Fares, however, will still be metered and Suntay said they were bound by LTFRB regulations.

Amid complaints that regulators were biased against ridesharing services, he said that taxi operators believe the market is big enough to include TNVS. However, there has to be a level playing field for both systems, Suntay added.n

by Catherine

talavera Philstar.com

Uber criticizes rules as taxi...

vehicles to operate without the proper permits.

The ride-sharing firms, for their part, have pointed to the LTFRB’s failure to act on applications for permits.

Poe urged regulators to expedite the issuance of certificates of public convenience but also told Uber and Grab to stop activating vehicles without the proper clearances.

The popularity of Uber and Grab has come at the expense of taxi operators whose representatives told the Senate that they preparing to compete on the technological front.

“In two months, we will have a taxi-booking app exclusively for taxis,” Philippine National Taxi Operators Association head Bong Suntay said.

“It took us a long time before we found a partner,” he added,

Benjamin Duterte, the youngest brother of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, takes a tour of Malacañang Palace with his sons, Paul Benjamin Duterte (middle) spends time with sons Michael (left) and Paul (right) during a recent trip to Manila. and Michael, and grandchildren, Miko, Mason, and Maxwell.

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA IF you’ve been given the chance to restart a new life after you’ve gone through some life-changing, miraculous experience, such as surviving a horrific accident when everyone else perished, or finding yourself inexplicably healed from a deadly disease, then you’ll know what it feels to be given a reprieve.

It is a fresh slate, a clean paper, what the Greeks call a tabula rasa, on which you can begin writing your new story. Or if you use a computer, click on a new blank document and chase the cursor.

How does one use this new lease on life?

Most people lucky enough to be given a second chance, will quickly realize that this new lease can just be an extra few months or years, and in the most blessed scenarios, a decade or two. Each day beyond that critical turning point is a bonus, every single moment, a gift.

Sometimes, God mercifully knocks some sense into us through drastic means by throwing us a curve ball to bring us down on our knees so that we have no choice but to look above and beyond our own petty, selfish concerns and total self-involvement in order to grasp the concept of our own mortality and to know that we are here for a purpose.

We’re not here to merely consume resources or take up space.

We were not meant to spend the greater part of our lives posting or browsing through our Facebook, Instagram or Twitter accounts.

Consider the fearsome dinosaurs. Grazing the earth for millions of years, that is essentially what they did — consumed resources and took up space. Not by intelligence but by sheer size and numbers, they had dominion over all other species for millions of years, until one day, as scientists try to explain their extinction, a rogue asteroid about 7 miles long, possibly got un-

Rewriting your own story

“A useless life is an early death.”– Goethe

hinged off its orbit in the asteroid belt, hit the earth with such impact, setting off a series of volcanic eruptions that covered the atmosphere with ash far above the stratosphere, so that sunlight could not penetrate through the haze for years, killing off the plant life, upsetting and destroying the food chain balance and effectively starving and wiping the dinosaurs off the face of the earth 65 million years ago.

Here is earth’s tabula rasa story — starting on a clean slate, a new lease on life. When the reptiles died, mammals, of which we are classified under, began their ascent. Human beings with purpose came to be.

Yet each man’s purpose is nebulous and not always obvious. Purpose does not come as clear as the light of day. We have to seek it out. Either by choice or circumstance, some exceptional ones find their purpose early enough and proceed to fulfill it.

But the great majority of people on the bell curve don’t have the nose to sense their true north. Most of us of the garden variety meander about our lives trying different things until we finally stumble upon it by trial and error. The annals of history are rife with such stories.

St. Paul, almost single handedly nourished the beginnings of the early Christian church through his numerous travels. But he didn’t start out that way. He was just as passionate about persecuting Christians before he was tapped from above to do a complete conversion.

Edwin Hubble, the great astronomer who lived in the nineteen twenties and for whom the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) is named for his outstanding achievements in expanding our view of the universe, tried different things before finding out what he was meant to do. In college, he played championship basketball and even tried boxing.

After fighting in World War I, he studied law, tried lawyering for a year and obviously didn’t like it. Something must have

happened because he went back to college to study astronomy and finally found his footing and his purpose in life. That’s what most of us do. We try different lives, different hats, until we find the one that matches heaven’s purpose. Just don’t run out of time. No one wants to leave with unfinished business.

If our stations in life allow us the luxury of choice, then more than likely, we will be meandering too and trying different things before coming on board to the ship that will likely bring us to the port of our purpose.

Try reading all or portions of Rick Warren’s “The Purpose Driven Life” written a few years back. Warren is the pastor of Saddleback Church in Orange County, California. His book continues to be received widely for its clear, well-structured and succinct explanation of what living with purpose means. True, its skewed towards his ministry but there are valuable truths about purpose and meaning to be gleaned by both the secular and spiritual, particularly in the early parts of the book.

We don’t really have to wait for something dramatic, traumatic or tragic to happen to get us on track to finding that purpose.

But do go to the right source.

Nix the harebrained ideas coming from most of the media about what that purpose might be.

When it comes to things that matter, most of the mainstream media has proven itself to be unworthy of trust. It pushes its own agenda of power that comes from profit.

Tune out of the external world and go deep within. If you pray hard enough and long enough and live in the silence for a little while, chances are, you’ll find it. You can then begin rewriting your own story on a new document page. n *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. m a g l a ya @ a s i a n j o u r n a l i n c . c o m

Will incorporating a separate property business during marriage make it community property?

YOU own a successful business, as a sole proprietor, prior to marriage. You later meet the love of your life and decide to marry her. Years into the marriage, you decide to incorporate the business. A common question when the couple later divorces becomes 1) did your separate property business become community property by virtue of incorporating it during the marriage? 2) Was your separate property business “transmuted” to community property by incorporating it during the marriage?

No Community Property Presumption Family Code §760 defines “Community property” as “Except as otherwise provided by statute, all property, real or personal, wherever situated, acquired by a married person during the marriage while domiciled in this state is community property. However under Marriage of Koester, the Court held that the community does not “acquire” a separate property business simply because the business is incorporated during the marriage. The mere incorporation of a business operated by spouse is not a change in its character, for purposes of division of community estate following divorce.

In Koester, the Court stated that he incorporation simply effects a change in the legal form under which the business is conducted and property does not change its character merely because of a change in form or identity. Marriage of Koester (1999) 73 CA4th 1032, 1035, 1038, 87 CR2d 76, 79, 81. The Court in Koester also stated that “In contrast with the way title is taken when a married

Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes couple own residential property, the incorporation of a sole proprietorship business is typically done for reasons extrinsic to the marital relationship. To say ... that an asset was ‘acquired’ by the community ... because some aspect of corporate formation took place during the marriage is to elevate semantics over substance” No Transmutation Incorporation of a sole proprietorship business during the marriage can trigger a family code § 2640 tracing right of reimbursement only when it is also accompanied by an unambiguous express written transmutation of the business to community property as required by Family Code § 852. Marriage of Koester, supra, 73 CA4th at 1036–1037, 87 CR2d at 79–80 & fn. 5. Under Family Code §852, a transmutation of real or personal property is not valid unless made in writing by an express declaration that is made, joined in, consented to, or accepted by the spouse whose interest in the property is adversely affected.

In Koester, the act of changing the legal form under which a business is conducted does not meet the requirements of family code § 852 for a valid transmutation. Marriage of Koester (1999) 73 CA4th 1032, 1037, 87 CR2d

76, 80 & fn. 5. Incorporation of a sole proprietorship business is typically done for reasons extrinsic to the marital relationship.

Although the mere act of incorporating a separate business during the marriage does not change the character of the business to community property, the community may still acquire an apportionment interest if the value of the business substantially appreciated during the marriage due to the labor and hard work of the managing spouse during the marriage.

The apportionment calculation is done using the formula in the Pereira or Van Camp case where the contributions of effort and return on capital are separated from the value of the business. n ***

Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice.

The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information.

This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed.

The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is not a solicitation. ***

Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association.

He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 3881611 or e-mail kureyeslaw@gmail.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Client with bank account levy seeks Chapter 7 relief

Client receives notice of default on house, tries Chapter 13 relief CLIENT is 60 & wife is 58.

He issued his check to pay rent of $1200 but the check was dishonored for insufficient funds.

Landlord called him to tell him that his rent check bounced. Client was surprised that his check bounced because he had at least $5K in the checking account. He went to the bank and asked why his check bounced when he still had $5K in the account. Teller informed him that there was no money in his account because bank received a notice of levy from his judgment creditor for $11K and so the sheriff took all the money in his bank account.

Client explains that he had consolidated his credit card loans of about $30K through a business providing that service and he had been paying on monthly installments and was surprised to find out that his account was levied and all his money taken.

He said he only owed creditor $3K so how come the judgment is $11K? Well, if you add interest and attorney fees and some time, it $3K of debt can become $11K of judgment. It’s not unusual.

Can he get his $5K that was levied back? Yes he can, how? By filing a claim for exemption in the court that issued the judgment and levy, on the ground that the funds taken are necessary for his basic necessities. He must also attach a declaration and financial statement showing his gross and net income for the household vs. monthly living expenses and conclude that the funds taken are required for his basic necessities. He must file the claim in with the supporting documents, get a hearing date and time form the clerk of court, then serve the claim of exemption on the creditor and file in the proof of service to creditor. Creditor is given the opportunity to object to the claim of exemption and appear at the hearing. The hearing will be set at least 30 days after the claim of exemption is filed but the claim of exemption and all supporting documents must be filed within 10 days of the levy date.

If the judge agrees with client, judge will issue an order to have

What’s New ARLENE AL-OS, CPA, MBA TIPS to remember when you have outstanding tax liability to the IRS: • Receipt of tax bill. If you receive a bill for taxes due, pay the taxes owed including any penalties and interest. If you are not able to pay in full the total amount due, consider getting a loan to full pay the tax bill if rates are lower versus paying on installments with penalties and interest .

• Direct pay. Using IRS direct pay, you can now pay your tax bill directly from checking or savings account. You can schedule payments 30-days in advance and cancel scheduled payments 2-days before the scheduled payment date. For more information, visit https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay. If using a mobile device, you can access the IRS2Go app to pay with either Direct Pay or debit or credit card.

IRS2Go is the official mobile app of the IRS. Download IRS2Go from Google Play, the Apple App Store or the Amazon App Store.

• Pay with credit card. You can pay your bill with a credit card online, by phone or with a mobile device. There is a convenience fee charged by the credit card processor not by the IRS. For more information regarding convenience fee, visit https://www.irs.gov/uac/paytaxes-by-credit-or-debit-card.

Debt Relief

ATTY. LAWRENCE YANG

the $5K returned to client. Client has also decided to file for Chapter 7 relief as he and wife still owe about $25K of credit card debt and he wants all of those discharged once and for all to avoid another levy or wage garnishment situation. If the judge denies the claim of exemption, then client has lost the $5K for good.

He doesn’t feel good losing the $5K because he only owed $3K and says it is unjust that he now owes $11K for a $3K debt.

Can he keep the $5K in Chapter 7 if the judge orders the refund? Yes. He can keep the $5K because in his case, he can exempt the entire 5K under 703.140(b)(5) of the California Code of Civil Procedure. So, with Chapter 7, he and his wife get a fresh start in life without the burden of any debt while keeping all their assets, all their retirement accounts, all their cards, and all their cash. No worries any more and they don’t have to keep paying installments on a consolidation through a business service that probably keeps the money in their pocket. That’s why client’s bank account was levied despite the consolidation because who knows where the installment payments are going. It’s not like a Chapter 13 where the court appointed trustee distributes the plan payments to all creditors and there is a court order that prohibits further collection efforts against the debtor while the Chapter 13 is still in effect.

Next client is 52. He doesn’t work. His wife makes about $88K a year as a registered nurse. They own a house but the mortgage has not been paid for 8 months.

Mortgage is $2500 a month so he owes about $20K in arrears.

He received by certified a notice of default with a recording date of June 27, 2017, informing him

that the bank has decided to commence foreclosure proceedings and that he has 90 days to pay the arrears in full plus all legal fees and penalties otherwise a foreclosure sale date will be set approximately 21 days after the 90 days expires. So client is worried that he may lose the house to foreclosure after September 27, 2017. Well, I think he should worry more about his wife asking him to explain why the mortgage is 8 months past due when she has been giving him her net income of $6K a month? That’s a perfectly valid and legitimate question to ask don’t you think so?

At any rate, client now needs to file for Chapter 13 to save his house from foreclosure. Chapter 13 will freeze the default at $20K and allow client to pay that off in 60 months, that’s about $340 a month. In addition, he has to resume the current mortgage payment a month after the case is filed. The foreclosure process stops immediately upon filing of the Chapter 13 case. I told him that it may help if he actually got a job to help with the additional expense of the plan payment for the arrears because wife’s income is good at net $6K but the mortgage has not been paid for 8 months, so something else must be going on that is draining the funds, right? I mean, we weren’t born yesterday, money doesn’t just disappear, its going off somewhere where its not supposed to. The math doesn’t add up.

If you need debt relief, set an appointment to see me. I will analyze your case personally.

“GLORY IN HIS HOLY NAME; LET THE HEARTS OF THOSE WHO SEEK THE LORD REJOICE!” PSALM 105:3 ■ *** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in bankruptcy, business, real estate and civil litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 1000 S. Fremont Ave, Mailstop 58, Building A-1 Suite 1125, Alhambra, CA 91803.

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Tips to remember when you owe the IRS • Other ways you can pay. You can pay using: 1) Electronic federal tax payment system (EFTPS) https://www.eftps.gov/eftps/; 2) Electronic funds withdrawal as you e-file your income tax return; 3) same day wire applicable bank fees applies; 4) money order; 5) check; 7) cash at participating retail store. For more information regarding IRS official payment site, visit https://www.officialpayments.com/fed/index.jsp • Need additional time to pay.

If you need more time to pay you may be able to pay on installment if qualified for online payment agreement.

• Online Payment Agreement. You are eligible to apply for online payment agreement if: 1) Individual: have filed all required returns and the combined tax liabilities is not more than $50,000, or for a short term agreement if combined taxes owed is not more than $100,000 ; 2) Business: have filed all required returns and the combined tax liabilities is not more than $25,000. If you are approved for online payment agreement, there is set-up fees added to your bill unless you are approved for a short-term agreement of no more than 120-days no set-up fee.

• Form 9465. Use Form 9465 to request for add the liability for a new period to an existing installment agreement. Beginning January 1, 2017, the fees for setting up an installment agreement

are: 1) $225; 2) $107: make payments by direct deposit; 3) $149: set-up an online payment agreement); or 4) $31: set-up an online payment agreement and make payments by direct deposit. To modify or reinstate an installment agreement, the fee is $89.For low income taxpayers the fee to set up an installment agreement is $43 or $31 if an online payment agreement is set-up and the payments are made by direct debit.

• To avoid over and underpayment of federal income taxes withheld from your pay, update FormW-4 withholding allowance certificate with your employer.

You may also visit https://apps.irs. gov/app/withholdingcalculator/.

• If you owe alternative minimum tax, self-employment tax, and other taxes, use the instructions in Publication 505 tax withholding and estimated taxes.■ *** Disclaimer: Any accounting, business or tax advice contained in this communication is neither intended as a thorough, in-depth analysis of specific issues, nor a substitute for a formal opinion, nor is it sufficient to avoid tax-related penalties. *** Al-os & Associates Accountancy Corporation provides accounting and tax services to individuals, corporations, LLCs and business entities. The Firm has a niche in defending taxpayers audited by the IRS and other governmental agencies.

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Gov’t eyes additional P1B...

PAGE B1 t in unpaid excise taxes due to alleged use of fake tax stamps.

In his recent State of the Nation Address, President Duterte ordered the Department of Finance and the BIR to accept Mighty’s tax settlement offer of P25 billion and the term that the firm “will no longer engage in the tobacco business.”

Homegrown Mighty is the second biggest cigarette manufacturer in the country after PMFTC Inc., the joint venture of tycoon Lucio Tan and global giant Philip Morris International.

But the president said “the acceptance of the tax settlement offer does not preclude other criminal charges against the company that the BIR may decide to file.”

The government decided to settle with Mighty as it wanted

“to avoid a long court battle that, as we saw in previous cases, could take years to resolve,” the president said.

The tax settlement amount will be funded by the sale of Mighty’s assets and distribution network to the Philippine unit of Japan Tobacco International.

Dominguez had said the government was expecting to collect up to P30 billion, including value-added tax, from the settlement with Mighty.

The government had already accepted an initial P3.44-billion payment from Mighty and JTI. While Dominguez said “cigarette manufacturing had always been a troublesome sector as far as collecting proper taxes is concerned,” the Finance chief was optimistic that this would become “smaller problem in the fu-

LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 9-11, 2017

Calendar of Events across

B3

America

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS AU G U ST 1 2

Silliman University Alumni Association of Southern California’s annual picnic in El Monte, CA The Silliman University Alumni Association of Southern California invites alumni, their family and friends, to its annual picnic and membership meeting on Saturday, August 12, at Whittier Narrows Recreation Area, Picnic Area D #9 ((near Legg Lake area with free parking for the early birds). The address: 750 S. Santa Anita Ave, South El Monte, CA 91733, 10 a.m. to sundown. For more information call: Jessie Mario Duran 626.715.2525, Joji Amparo 909.991.8919, and Zeny Duran Bennett 626.824.3595.

AU G U ST 1 3

University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Greater Los Angeles (UPAAGLA) Induction Ball in Whittier, CA The Univeristy of the Philippines Alumni Association of Greater Los Angeles (UPAAGLA) will hold its Induction Ball on August 13, 2017 Sunday at the Double Tree by Hilton - Whittier on 7320 Greenleaf Avenue, Whittier, CA 90602. Consul General Adelio Angelito Cruz will swear in Mutch Carino as President of UPAAGLA for 2017-2019, together with the newly elected officers composed of Ethel Rubio (President-Elect), Nati Matitu Mercado (1st VP), Evelyn Andamo (2nd VP), Joy Angeles (Recording Secretary), Yvee Tadeo-Guevara (Corresponding Secretary), Gil Guinto (Treasurer), Melette Lampino (Assistant Treasurer), Dick Cu (Auditor), Benny Uy (PRO) and Bobby Canseco (IT Officer). The 2017-2019 UPAAGLA Board of Directors are Ivy Manalang, Atty. Mary Lyn Sanga, Ellery Atienza, Mary Trinidad, Sonny Gancayco, Annie Nepomuceno, Mary Drees, Jess Espanola, Bob Shroder, Carina Slepian, Ivy Cosio-Bautista, Ellen Gomez, Relson Banas, and Angie Alvarez. The advisers of UPAAGLA are Dr. Arnel Joaquin, Vicky Gancayco, Jazmin Gaite, Alma Onrubia, Frank Mamaril, Doris Maligalig, and Sonja Menor. Red carpet arrivals and No Host Cocktails begin at 6:00 p.m.

Program and dinner start at 7:00 p.m. For tickets, sponsorships and souvenir program advertisements, please call Dick Cu (562) 547-0560.

AU G U ST 1 2-1 3

24th annual Pistahan Parade and Festival in San Francisco, CA The Pistahan Parade and Festival is an international celebration of Filipino community, culture and cuisine. Experience the best of Filipino art, dance, music and cuisine at the Yerba Buena Gardens. On Saturday, August 12, the Pistahan Parade will feature elaborate floats, marching bands and colorful contingents as it marches down Market from Civic Center to 4th St. The festival will include live entertainment, popular balut eating contest, delectable Filipino cuisine, cultural exhibits, hands-on workshops for kids and adults. It will be from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Yerba Buena Gardens in San Francisco. Admission is free. For more information, please call 415. 625. 3976 or visit http://www.pistahan.net.

AU G U ST 1 9

Philippine Madrigal Singers to perform in Northridge, CA Philippine Madrigal Singers in Concert on Saturday, August 19 is the long-awaited return to Los Angeles of the world-renowned prize-winning choir. The performance begins at 7 p.m. at the Plaza Del Sol Performance Hall at the Valley Performing Arts Center (VPAC) located at 18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, CA 91330. The theatre is part of CSUN, and tickets are $70, $55, and $40 online anytime at www.ticketmaster.com. Special student pricing is available only in-person at the VPAC box office, call or visit (818) 677-3000 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. Tour information at www.musicartsevents.com.

AU G U ST 2 0

Philippine Madrigal Singers in Loma Linda, CA An Evening with the MADZ on Sunday, August 20 is an opportunity to hear the awardwinning first-ever two-time European Grand Prix winning choir, the Philippine Madrigal Singers, at Campus Hill Church, 11057 Hill Dr Loma Linda CA 92354. The performance is at 7 p.m. $40 General Admission, $20 Child/Student. For tickets, call Ephraim Dela Cruz at (909) 831-4225, Marjorie Ann Reyno-Huynh at (909) 965-6936 or Nemuel Enriquez at (323) 2290506.

Filipino Cultural School’s summer program graduation ceremony in Cerritos, CA The Filipino Cultural School (FCS) will be holding its graduation ceremony on Sunday, August 20, starting promptly at 1:30 pm to be held at Cerritos Park East. The graduation will celebrate and honor 100 plus students, ranging from ages 4 to 18, who have gone through this seven-week summer school program learning about the Filipino and Filipino-American culture. Graduation highlights the different lessons that the students have learned from their Dance, Music, and Halo-halo (merger class of history, language, and lifestyle) classes. The students will also be honored for their dedication and enthusiasm in learning their heritage.

It will be held at the California Room of Cerritos Park East (13234 E 166th St, Cerritos, CA 90703). Ticket prices are $15 for adults and $10 for children (10 or younger). Light refreshments are included. The last day to reserve and pay for tickets is August 15 at 11 p.m. No tickets will be sold during the day of graduation. Payment options include: Checks, Cash, Credit Card, Venmo and Paypal. Ticket Reservation: http://tinyurl.com/fcsgrad2017. Please visit at filipinoculturalschool.org to learn more about the program. For any questions or concerns, contact FCS at filipinoculturalschool@gmail.com.

If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, please email us the details at info@asianjournalinc.com or calendar@asianjournalinc.com

Global smart city market...

PAGE B1 t

mies have found great value in adopting the public and private partnership model, even though the terms of agreement may vary according to the region,” it said.

Frost & Sullivan said the creation of smart cities held wide implications for all industries offering public and private ser-

ture because of the new tools for surveillance and documentation of tax payments to be employed by the BIR to help run after tax cheats.”

PAGE B1 t “At the moment, we are colare removed under the rightsizlecting more sin taxes than pro- ing program, the DBM estimates jected. This is a good sign. It is it would cost the government a tribute to the men and women P54.63 billion for the separation of our revenue agencies. Re- incentives and terminal leave member that much of the money benefits of these employees.

This is more than half the collected in sin taxes goes to improving health services for the P24.28 billion that would be country’s poor,” according to saved from the implementation of the program.

Dominguez.

The DBM, however, assured With higher excise rates that it could recover the losses in slapped on alcoholic drinks and two years and three months. cigarettes under a unitary system Earlier, Budget Secretary Bensince January, total sin tax collec- jamin Diokno said the free SUC tions grew 5.44 percent year-on- tuition law, signed by President year to P60.047 billion in the first Duterte last Aug. 3, would be imhalf, the latest BIR data showed.■ plemented starting school year

vices, particularly in terms of energy, transportation, waste management, and water distribution.

In the Philippines, the Bases Conversion Development Authority has said that Clark Global City would be the country’s first smart city.

The BCDA has signed an angreement with Huawei to design

the necessary information and communications technology infrastructure. The agency is also looking for Asian Development Bank assistance to link with providers of smart transportation technology.

Hitachi, meanwhile, is expected to provide a smart grid solution to Clark for clean power. ■

2018 to 2019.

Diokno said the government has yet to come up with an estimate on how much the program would cost. But initially, government estimates put the required cost of the program at P100 billion.

The budget chief said the DBM would assess if the funds needed for the program in the first year of its implementation can be sourced from the 2018 national budget. If not, he said the agency may consider asking for supplemental budget.

Lawmakers, meanwhile, assured that it would tweak the 2018 budget to accommodate

the expenses needed for the free tuition law.

Davao City Rep. Karlo Nograles, appropriations committee chairman, said among the sources of funds being eyed for the free education in SUCs are the allocations for underperforming agencies, as well as unused and unnecessary appropriations like those for travel, training, and seminars.

Sen. Franscis Escudero, meanwhile, said the amount needed to fund the free tuition, miscellaneous and other fees of students in SUCs alone would only cost P20 billion. ■

Free tuition to put pressure on...

B4 AUGUST 9-11, 2017 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

COMMUNITY JOURNAL

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People and Events Baldwin Park Unified, University of Filipino Cultural School to hold La Verne partner to ensure summer program graduation ceremony college admission

CERRITOS — Filipino Cultural School will be holding their Graduation Ceremony on Sunday, August 20, 2017 starting promptly at 1:30 p.m. to be held at Cerritos Park East (13234 E 166th St, Cerritos, CA 90703). The graduation will celebrate and honor 100 plus students, ranging from ages 4 to 18, who have gone through this 7-week summer school program learning about the Filipino and Filipino American culture. Graduation highlights the different lessons that the students have learned from their Dance, Music, and Halo-halo (merger class of history, language, and lifestyle) classes.

The students will also be honored for their dedication and enthusiasm in learning their heritage.

Filipino Cultural School (FCS), based in Cerritos, CA. and other neighboring cities, is a Non-Profit Organization that educates the community at large specifically the youth about the Filipino and Filipino American Culture. One of the main programming for the year is the Summer Program geared to the preservation and promotion of the Philippine heritage and culture. FCS has and continues to be open to all. Filipino and non-Filipino who are interested in the Philippine culture are invited to attend.

With the growing influence of American culture

EMPLOYMENT

in our everyday lives, it is easy to forget where we came from and our origins. This growing impact, without a doubt, affects the youth and can easily create a disparity between the American and Filipino cultures. Filipino Cultural School has encompassed and taught the youth the many different aspects of Filipino culture, such as dance, music, history, lifestyle, and language. The school has been running a summer educational program that teaches the youth about their Filipino culture. Furthermore, Filipino Cultural School strives to show the different sides of Filipino culture in hopes of preserving the culture for future generations.

Prices are $15 for adults and $10 for children (anyone 10 and below). Light refreshments are included.

Last day to reserve and pay your tickets is on August 16 at 11 p.m. No tickets will be sold during the day of graduation. Payment options include: Checks, Cash, Credit Card, Venmo and Paypal.

For ticket reservation: http://tinyurl.com/fcsgrad2017.

Please visit our website at filipinoculturalschool. org to learn more about our program. For any questions or concerns, contact us at filipinoculturalschool@gmail.com ■

EMPLOYMENT

BALDWIN PARK – Baldwin Park Unified’s Superintendent Froilan N. Mendoza solidified a partnership with the University of La Verne on July 20 that ensures students have access to a top-quality, affordable college education.

The Partnership for Access to College Education (PACE) promises qualified Baldwin Park students a pathway to the University of La Verne that includes guaranteed admission, financial aid, application fee waivers and a variety of programs to assist with college readiness.

“We are extremely proud to enter into this admissions agreement with the University of La Verne so that we can continue our commitment to our students in creating higher education opportunities,” Superintendent Mendoza said. “As a District, we believe in providing every

pathway available to encourage academic and personal success.

Through this partnership, we can build on our collective mission.”

Baldwin Park Unified joins 22 other Southern California school districts in partnering with the University of La Verne, with representatives from the university and the school districts pledging their efforts to make higher education obtainable for every student.

The District’s graduation rate reached 93 percent in 2015-16, and Baldwin Park Unified educators are working to increase the number of those graduates who attend four-year universities.

To qualify for the PACE initiative, students must graduate from high school without needing to complete remedial courses, and be continuously enrolled with their district for at least four years. They must also meet a

EMPLOYMENT

F0R RENT

PSYCHIC

minimum SAT score of 980 and a minimum ACT score of 19.

Those accepted will have access to college preparatory workshops and lectures to guide their way to academic success.

Students will also be granted financial aid of at least $10,000 per year.

The PACE partnership also applies to district employees, with those admitted to the doctor of education in organizational leadership program receiving a $100 scholarship per unit.

University of La Verne President Devorah A. Lieberman said her team is focused on providing area students with an opportunity to attend college.

“We look forward to providing support to these students, guiding them on their paths to success,” Lieberman said. ■

B AUGUST 9-11, 2017 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

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cover story The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - August 9, 2017

WINSTON KEH:

Judge, lawyer, community activist, public servant The newly appointed judge of San Bernardino County Superior Court discusses his passion for serving the people and being a necessary source for the Filipino American community

by KLARIZE MEDENILLA / AJPRESS

J

UDGE Winston Keh isn’t your run-of-the-mill lawyer.

In his decades-long career as a lawman, Keh always goes beyond what is expected of him and has a rich oeuvre of volunteer work as a lawyer.

He didn’t just get into the game to make a living; he got in it to serve the people and the community which mean the world to him.

On May 22, California Governor Jerry Brown appointed Keh to serve as a judge for the Superior Court of San Bernardino County, where Keh served as a court commissioner for two years.

With this appointment, Keh — who is half Chinese and half Filipino American — becomes the first Filipino American to be appointed as a judge in San Bernardino. He also became the 16th Fil-Am judge in California.

And to those that know him know his dedication to serving the public and being an active member in the Filipino American and Asian American communities; so, it’s not a surprise at all that Gov. Brown chose him.

“That’s why the governor was so delighted to appoint him to the San Bernardino County Superior Court because he was someone who has been active, who has shown that he cares about his community, who has shown he cares deeply about the legal profession and he’s going to work like heck to support all of us,” one of Keh’s mentors, Judge Holly J. Fujie of the Los Angeles Superior Court, said at a reception for him on July 8 in downtown LA. Surrounded by family members, colleagues, and members of the Philippine American Bar Association (PABA) and the Asian Pacific American Bar Association (APABA), Fujie administered the oath of office and Keh was given his judicial robes.

The appointment is a huge achievement for Keh, 54, who has dedicated his life to serving the country and its people by ensuring the law of the land is upheld.

And he realized his calling early on.

“My career choice came by

Keh with his family

accident. I didn’t know what I was going to do, but my government teacher in high school kind of influenced me in going towards this path,” Keh told the Asian Journal on July 8. “It came as second nature as I was very into studying U.S. history and the political structure of this country. It just came naturally

Keh was sworn in by Judge Holly Fujie of the Los Angeles Superior Court at a reception on July 8.

Judge Winston Keh with members of the Philippine American Bar Association (PABA).

and after that class, I thought, ‘You know what? I’m going to make a career in law.’”

And he did just that. After high school, he became a baccalaureate at University of West Los Angeles, and after that, he earned a Juris Doctor degree from the College of Law at La Verne University.

What followed was an extensive career as an attorney, working with several firms as an associate, a senior litigation attorney and senior counsel.

He also served as a volunteer attorney for Asian Americans Advancing Justice - LA, a legal and civil rights organization, where he provided legal assistance with immigration documents and expungement petitions.

Since 2007, he has served as Judge Pro Tem in the LA County Superior Court, where he presided over traffic and smalls claims cases, a service of which he spoke very fondly.

He described the experience as fulfilling since it was a way to interact with the people and it gave him the chance to embody the judicial system.

“I found it to be enjoyable because you’re serving the public directly. A lot of folks don’t go to court and, for most people, your own contact with the court is with traffic cases, and as a temporary judge, you’re the face

of the judiciary,” Keh said.

“I enjoyed it very much. I found the experience to be very fulfilling and that’s why I decided to escalate, so to speak, or to get into this full time. That’s why I did it. It was a very rewarding experience. Busy, but rewarding.”

A service for the Fil-Am community In 2007, as he was serving with the LA County Superior Court, he joined the Board of Governors at PABA, of which he became president of in 2013. He also served as a board member for the APABA from 2012 to 2013.

At PABA, he led a team of attorneys to provide pro-bono legal counsel to the Fil-Am community.

Keh described the experience as extremely fulfilling, but also incredibly necessary to the community.

“It was very important for me because I believe as a lawyer, you are blessed with certain skills and in the Filipino-American community, we don’t have a whole lot of lawyers,” Keh remarked.

He said that Filipinos often cannot afford legal services and don’t know where to go for help with immigration, health care and other issues. Knowing how much Filipinos value trust and familiarity, it was important for him to let the Filipino community know that there are lawyers who are there for them and understand the community’s struggles.

He collaborated with the Filipino Migrant Center in Long Beach, which serves many underprivileged Fil-Ams who seek legal help for a multitude of issues, including health care, workplace

Photos courtesy of the Philippine American Bar Association (PABA)

and wage issues and immigration among others.

“As a lawyer, you get to provide services to folks who could otherwise not afford the services and I thought it would be important for PABA to reach out to the community and introduce ourselves to the community,” Keh explained. “I thought it was extremely important for the PABA lawyers, who are very, very talented, to showcase what they can do, and to show the Filipino community that we are here and that we come from the same background. We needed to let them know we are there to help them.”

From bench officer to becoming the first Fil-Am judge in San Bernardino In 2015, Keh was appointed to court commissioner with the Superior Court of San Bernardino County, the fifth most populous county in the state. The appointment was a big step for Keh, who always dreamed of serving a full-time position with the bench.

“That was one of the happiest days of my life,” Keh said of his escalation into I’ve always wanted to be [on] the bench and it’s always been a dream of mine to serve as a bench officer on a full-time position. It truly, truly was one of the happiest days of my life.”

A mere two years later brought Keh a chance of a lifetime: the opportunity to be a full time presiding superior court judge.

“I was thrilled when I got the news,” Keh said of his appointment. “It really was a dream come true. It’s going to be hard work, but I’m ready to do it.”

At the reception in LA, members of PABA and APABA spoke of his tenacity and dedication, but also emphasized the humility that is a part of his charm. Keh could not take all the credit for his success. He spoke wonders of his peers and mentors who inspired him and his family for their endless support and for keeping his spirits up.

To Fil-Ams pursuing careers in the legal profession, Keh says this: “Be true to yourself. If public service a passion of yours, you need to pursue a career in law, because we are so unrepresented. We need more Filipino American lawyers in all areas in the law to help our own. Always do the right thing...always, always do the right thing and work very hard.”

entertainment

Ian Veneracion: ‘I need to be in tip top shape’ PeoPle still remember Ian Veneracion as the cute and charming Jeffrey laperal, the son of Joey de leon in the 1982 sitcom “Joey and Son.�

From there, he went on to appear in more television projects while simultaneously making films that ranged from comedy to drama to action.

Among his most recent works include the internationally acclaimed psychological thriller “Bliss� and the supernatural horror film “Ilawod.�

Now at 42, Veneracion has again endeared himself to today’s generation as Antonio “Anton� Noble 4th, a dashing engineer who is separated with three children, and falls in love with a broken soul. Much earlier he was eduardo Buenavista in the 2015 remake of “Pangako Sa ’Yo,� the role that regained for him his fame and stature as a top leading man of the day.

Besides being an actor, Veneracion is also a painter, an athlete, a pilot, a chef, and a family man—the last being his favorite real life role to play.

Asked how he juggles family, work and his varied interests, he replied, “By taking care of my health. I need a strong immune system to be able to do everything I want to do, and as an actor, I can’t afford to get sick, and look stressed.�

Despite his hectic schedule,

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - August 9, 2017

Richard Poon, Maricar Reyes: The art of fighting well

by Maridol

ranoa-BisMark Philstar.com

Ian Veneracion

Veneracion stays in tip top shape because he is familiar with his body and knows how to listen to it. “It’s the little things that we don’t normally notice, which I keep an eye on, like for example, having stronger resistance against colds and flu, or making sure my skin stays clear and my hair shiny. If I see things going the other way, I know I’m getting sick.�

According to Veneracion, he makes sure that besides eating well and getting enough rest, he takes a good multivitamin everyday and stock up on natural remedies for early signs of ailments. “I believe that if you are healthy, it reflects physically—

RIChARD Poon and Maricar Reyes are self-confessed opposites. he is dominant. She is a shrinking violet. he wants to do things fast. She loves to chill.

But they have stayed married for four years, have a flourishing business called Choco -liquor Cakes by Maricar, and are co-authors of the book “10 Photo from his Instagram account Things We Fight About� (ABSCBN Publishing, Inc). not just your hair, your skin, Richard still gets jealous but in the number of things when another man lingers beyou can do. But of course, everyone needs help in staying side Maricar, or gets extra close to her. Jealousy, he explains, is healthy. I take multivitamin part of the deal.

Conzace everyday, and when “If you don’t feel jealous, I feel like I’ve caught a cough perhaps you’re not really into or a cold, especially with the her,� he says. weather these days, I take a The singer-songwriter and natural remedy like Ascof lagundi, which I know is safe and his wife are just as sensitive about “we time.� The Poons effective.� make it a point to stay together Carrying on with specif“90 per cent of the time� ics, he further advised, “Getsimply because they are each ting enough sleep and eating properly are important to keep other’s priority, even over their own business. your body healthy. exercise is Maricar does not accept another non-negotiable. All every TV offer that comes these together, keep me in tip her way because tapings in top shape and allows me to live life to the fullest.� (Manila- provincial locations will rob her of “we time� with her husband.

Times.net) Richard speaks for her. “We’re afraid, because a lot of our friends split up after having an affair with their workmates.� third.

The culprit, adds Maricar, is on Sunday, Aug. 6, Cuneta, proximity. You spend more time who has long held the Megastar with the other guy than your monicker in showbiz, posted own spouse. The temptation a lengthy litany on Facebook grows every single day, until page Sharon Cuneta official you are caught in its tender explaining, among other things, trap. what happened soon after “The affair develops when Soquite’s declaration as winner you and the other person talk exactly a week before. every day,� Richard chimes in. “Can you please not believe Whatever happened to the the rumours na I snubbed virtue called trust? Richard will everybody after Team Sarah and not bank on it too much.

Jona won on The Voice Teens? “It’s nice to hear words And kino-comfort ko noon ay about how strong the other si Jeremy ‌ When I looked person is; about how much you gumitna na si Jona kakanta na trust her,â€? he explains. ulit so ayoko namang ‘pumapel.’ Sadly, real life is not that Tapos nakita ko halos in one line easy. Richard shares the story Continued on Page 4 his wedding godfather, singer-

It’s the Megastar vs. the Popsters by arlo

Custodio ManilaTimes.net

Sharon Cuneta with her ‘Voice Teens’ ward Jeremy Glinoga ABS-CBN photo

3

ShARoN Cuneta has had enough bashing on social media from fans and supporters of Sarah Geronimo.

Nicknamed Popsters (taken from the Geronimo’s moniker Pop Princess), Cuneta was labelled by the fans as “hindi sport� for snubbing the declaration of Jona Soquite as the first “The Voice Teens Ph� winner.

Soquite is Geronimo’s ward.

Cuneta’s ward, Jeremy Guinoga, placed last.

The other two coaches and students, lea Salonga’s Mica Bercerro placed second, and Bamboo’s Isabela Vinzon placed

Richard Poon and Maricar Reyes

Philstar.com photos

songwriter Jose Mari Chan, once told him.

The husband asked the wife to join him in the golf course.

She refused. he ended up having an affair with his golf caddie. The couple patched up when they were exiled in the U.S. and spent a lot of time with each other.

Richard tells another story, this time of a good-looking guy and his beautiful wife who work in a giant network. To Richard’s dismay, the couple called it quits by the time he bumped into them again. The culprit: the couple’s co-worker.

The Poons may be a picture of wedded bliss. he helped serve slices of Maricar’s new cake variety, Mocha liquor, when she introduced it to the media recently. he suggested adding nuts to the crushed homemade biscotti that came in a clear plastic container and enhanced the cake’s flavor when used as toppings.

But make no mistake about it. The Poons are as normal as other couples who lock horns.

Richard confronts issues headon, while Maricar is evasive.

She lapses into stony silence.

That is why Richard always urges Maricar to express all her bad feelings and settle the

issue once and for all instead of keeping things to herself.

Maricar is learning fast. She prevents Richard from storming out of the door in anger, because the problem will remain unsolved. “We try to be very real,� says Richard. “If you’re fighting about car keys, it’s not just about car keys. It’s something else. We analyze where it’s coming from.�

Maricar is glad she and Richard are learning more about each other’s differences now, while their first baby is yet to come. This way, they will be more prepared to face challenges parents always go through.

For now, their new paperback and first book together — is their baby. And they are more than happy with it.

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4

Big mouth has brought Martin Nievera places

features

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - August 9, 2017

Kiko Matos stars in Megastar Sharon Cuneta’s film

by ROBBIE

PANGILINAN Philstar.com

INDIE actor Kiko Matos, not Senator Kiko Pangilinan, stars in the first Cinemalaya entry of “Megastar” Sharon Cuneta, “Ang Pamilyang Hindi Lumuluha.”

Matos considers it a dream

come true to work with the veteran actress.

“It’s a big break for me. I thank Sharon for the opportunity. It’s also a dream come true because lahat naman tayo napapanood siya habang lumalaki,” says the FilipinoPortuguese actor who became

Indie actor Kiko Matos stars in the first Cinemalaya entry of “Megastar” Sharon Cuneta, “Ang Pamilyang Hindi Lumuluha”.

popular after his highly publicized “bigwasan” match with actor Baron Geisler last year became viral.

Matos started in showbiz when he was 13. He came from a humble family; his parents were swine dealers.

“Sampu ang inahin namin at nagtutulong kaming magkapatid para mapalago namin,” he shares.

Kiko also has his hands full training for his debut fight against Billy Jack Magana Sanchez on August 12 at the Araneta Coliseum for the Universal Reality Combat Championship (URCC). He says he is able to manage his time properly.

“For me, there is a time for everything. I only have shooting once or twice a week.

When I am not shooting, I do full-on training,” he says.

Kiko is also excited for the gala night of the Mes De Guzman film on August 8 at the Nicanor Abelardo Hall of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. He wishes that “Ang Pamilyang Hindi Lumuluha” will become a blockbuster at the 13th edition of Cinemalaya. The film is in a tight competition against “Nabubulok”, “Bagahe” and “Sa Gabing Nananahimik Ang Mga Kuliglig.”

by RICKY LO Philstar.com

UNLIKE most showbiz denizens who become amnesiac at the slightest taste of success, Martin Nievera has a photographic memory. He always gives credit where credit is due, like last Saturday, Aug. 5, at the presscon for “Big Mouth. Big Heart. Big Night,” a concert for the Katutubong Dumagat produced by the Outbox Media Powerhouse Corp. of the Taberna couple Anthony and Rossel.

“Do you know who gave me the ‘title’ Big Mouth?” Martin asked the movie writers. “It was Bob Castillo who wrote it in his column. He was also the first to call me Concert King.”

How nice of Martin to always remember our good friend Bob who died in 1989 when he was Entertainment Editor/Columnist of People’s Journal. Martin doesn’t get tired of paying tribute to Bob every chance he gets.

“My Big Mouth has brought me places,” admitted Martin in all humility. “It has gotten me jobs and it has gotten me into trouble.”

Of course, the public knows most of the troubles that Martin has gotten enmeshed in, including those that involved his personal life, so well publicized that there’s no need to mention even a bit of it here.

Oops! His love life. At last Saturday’s presscon, as the topic turned to his kind of music (trivia: his version of Kahit Isang Saglit is so heart-tugging that it never fails to make people cry, this one included; it’s also former Sen. Jinggoy Estrada’s favorite song), Funfare casually asked Martin if his is, well, “active.” Unlike before when he guarded his private life with ferocity, Martin readily said yes, he has a new love (a few years after he broke up with Katrina Ojeda who is based in Las Vegas with her and Martin’s son).

Now into his 35th year in showbiz, Martin replied when asked about his current state of being, his status in the industry.

“I’m glad that I am still here.

I’m still being asked to do things.

I’m not as in-demand as I used to be and that’s the reality that we have to face. That my phone still constantly rings means a lot to me.”

In the next breath, he conceded that there are talents cropping up every other week, ruing over the sad reality that the new breed of stars is far removed from the older breed.

“They don’t even know how Martin Nievera to say ‘hello’ or how to say ‘thank “In fact,” he added, “she is you,’” said Martin. “They don’t there outside” — that is, outside know how to be humble which of the room where the presscon is one of the traits that keep you was, held at the Tabernas’ Ka Tu- (long and strong) in the industry. nying Restaurant on Timog Ave., To stay in the business, you have Quezon City, with two outlets on to be not just humble but also to Visayas Ave. also in Q.C. and at be current, updated and to keep the NAIA 3 — but begged the both feet on the ground.” press’ pardon, “but don’t take And speaking of charity, her pictures because she’s not in Martin said that he doesn’t have showbiz. I’m trying so hard not to his own foundation unlike some get her involved in showbiz. I’m of his colleagues although he is very much in love with her and ready, willing and able to donate I’m very happy.” his service to fund-raising projHe has learned his lessons, ects such as the Tabernas’ “Big hard ones, especially during his Mouth. Big Heart. Big Night.” controversial break-up with wife “If you’re being charitable, Pops Fernandez which was disyou shouldn’t be talking about sected to bits and pieces not just it. That’s why I don’t have my by newspapers but on national own foundation.”(When Derek television.

Ramsay celebrated his birthday Explaining why he’s keepa few years ago by helping ing his personal life to himself, build houses for Habitat, Martin Martin said, “The moment I was among those who helped make public the identity of my Derek.) girlfriend, it becomes yours and For “Big Mouth. Big Heart. no longer just mine, and everyBig Night.,” Martin will have as thing I have belongs to all of us. co-performers Cacai Bautista, As far as my love life is conKZ Tandingan and the Taberna cerned, I want to save whatever I daughters. can. Kawawa naman ang girl. She “Martin has such a big doesn’t know what could happen heart,” said Anthony. “Kahit to her once na-exposed na siya.” mataas maningil sa iba, he didn’t And what is his favorite song have any second thoughts when for his girlfriend? we asked him to do the concert.”

“The Last Time,” said Martin, (Anthony didn’t reveal how much adding, “the last time I am falling Martin is paid or if he’s doing it in love.” gratis et amore.)

How Susan Roces sees FPJ in Coco Martin

by RICKY LO Philstar.com

PASSION for work.

That, among other things, is what Susan Roces sees in Coco Martin who plays the titular role in “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” in which Susan plays Lola Flora.

“Like Ronnie, Coco is in touch with the masa (common people),” added Susan. “He keeps his old friends and he doesn’t forget the places that are familiar to him, which other actors cannot do kapag sumisikat na sila. Like Ronnie, ang pananamit ni Coco ay hindi nagbago.”

The Star talked to Susan Thursday night during the 100thweek celebration of “Probinsyano” which continues to be the top-rating TV series of all time (46.7 percent according to Kantar Media), extended until 2018 and reinventing itself by casting both new and veteran actors.

“In that sense,” said Susan, “Coco is also very much like Ronnie. They both recognize talent. The TV series gives veteran actors a chance to exercise their talent.”

Front row, from left: Dang, Bingo, Yassi Pressman, Susan Roces, Coco Martin, Awra, Paquito and Ligaya. Back row, also from left: Shernan Gaite, Jeffrey Tam, Long Mejia, PJ Endrinal, Mitch Valdes, Arlene Tobias, Marvin Yap and Benj Manalo.

Philstar.com photo by Ver Paulino

Earlier that day, Susan was with an ANC-organized group that visited soldiers confined at V. Luna Medical Center, wounded during their encounters with terrorist groups in Marawi.

Asked how the experience was, Susan said, “I can’t describe the feeling. Ang babata nila; they have so much ahead of them. What about the families, especially of those who were killed? That is also how my ‘Probinsyano’ character feels.

Paano na ang kanilang mga pamilya?”

One of Probinsyano’s plus factors is its relevance to the times.

“Katulad ng terrorism,” explained Susan. “Totoong nangyayari noon pa at nauulit-ulit.

You know, the script is written way ahead pero nagtutugma sa mga pangyayari ngayon. Hindi yon sinasadya.”

Before they left V. Luna, Susan told the soldiers how proud she was of them.

“Ikinararangal ko sila,” said Susan. “Nakikipaglaban sila para magkaroon ng kapayapaan.”

Walt Disney Studios ‘Cars-ifies’ the iconic Pinoy jeepney EVER wondered how the Jeepney, a distinctly Pinoy cultural icon, would look like if it were a character in DisneyPixar’s “Cars” series?

Wonder no more.

To celebrate the release of DisneyPixar’s “Cars 3” the studio unveiled an exclusive artwork for the Philippines featuring the Jeepney as country’s very own Cars character.

The image was drawn by Michael Daley, a story artist at Pixar Animation Studios, who for “Cars 3” was responsible for visualizing the script into panels of drawings.

Daley joined Pixar Animation Studios in November of 2014. He began as a story artist on

Disney-Pixar’s “Cars 3,” and is currently working on upcoming Pixar projects in development.

As a story artist, Daley helps create the initial visuals, or the blue print, of the film. The story artist’s simply drawn rough version of the movie work as a foundation to build the computer graphics and bring the story to life.

It is also worth noting that Cars 3 features a team of filmmakers from all over the world, including two hometown heroes from the Philippines, namely Nelson Bohol and Paul Abadilla. Working on the film as Set Designer Artist and Sketch/Envronment Artist, respectively, these hometown heroes are based in San Francisco, California, working alongside the hit animation’s director, Brian Fee. (ManilaTimes.net)

It’s the Megastar vs...

From Page 3

pinapababa na kami ng stage sa side,” she began.

Cuneta explained she didn’t have the chance to personally congratulate Sarah and Jona, but she did so on Facebook.

Addressing the post to her bashers, she continued, “Bakit pinalalaki ito o inumpisahan man lang? Si Sarah parang nakababatang kapatid ko. Pinagtanggol ko noon sa intriga when ka-

hit sa sarili ko never ko ginawa yon dahil naniniwala akong isa siya sa dapat lang respetuhin at sumikat dahil matino siyang bata. Bakit ko gagawin yon?”

She furthered, “The way you fans act and talk reflect on your idol. Napakabilis niyo naman makalimot ng mga ipinakita kong kabutihan kay Sarah over the years. Itaas ninyo ang iniidolo ninyo. Huwag kayo manghila pababa ng idolo ng iba.”

Then she implored, “Please stop this. You are hurting me for no reason. Tama na po please.

Tapos na ang issue na ito as far as I am concerned. God bless you. At pinapasa-Diyos ko na lahat kayo at lahat ng ito.

Salamat po.”

On Monday, Aug. 7, Cuneta posted a meaningful digital poster that said, “Dear Universe — I’m biting the bullet. Your turn.”

features 5

Christine Allado performs at Josephine’s Cerritos

by Dan

E. nino

Cerritos, Calif. – Due to insistent public demand and rave reviews by the media and concertgoers after watching Filipina rising star Christine Allado’s concert at the Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood two saturdays ago, the Londonbased chanteuse will take center stage anew this sunday, Aug. 13 at Josephine’s in Cerritos. the dinner-show will start at 6 p.m.

Although not yet a household name, the 27-year-old stage actress has an impeccable resume to boot. she has shared the stage with Andrea Christine Allado Bocelli in the Canto Del terraCinema World tour in Manila this past April.

Allado was swept off her feet after their stunning duet performance. this was an encore world performance after their 2016 United Kingdom tour.

Christine Allado whose roots emanate from Aguilar, Pangasinan also mesmerized her audience when she performed with the inimitable Martin Nievera at the Manila House, singing “the Prayer” with the Manila symphony orchestra.

At the Catalina Jazz Club, she wowed the motley crowd with her rendition of a mixture of

pop, classical and Broadway songs like “somewhere over the rainbow,” “ think of Me” (Phantom of the opera), “i’ve Got You Under My skin,“ “sabor A Mi,” “Maria,” and “Nessun Dorma”.

As a budding artist, Christine has played roles in the “West side story” (BBC), “the Phantom of the opera”, “the Accidental spy”, “the Making of a Classic”, 2016 olivier Award winning musical, “in the Heights”, “Are You the Next Big star” and “Hamilton.” she is a member of the all-girls quartet, Zyrah rose, and does modeling, shooting music videos, tV ads, and print ads. she also sang the Philippine National Anthem at Pacquiao’s Battle of Brisbane bout.

With Christine’s winsome personality and statuesque height at 5’8”, her career in entertainment will soar to more heights.

Part of the beneficiaries of her gig on Aug. 13 is St. Linus Catholic Church. Admission tickets range from $48 for general seating (buffet included) to $58 for premier seating (buffet included).

For reservations, interested parties should call (323) 391-8500. Josephine’s Cerritos is located at 11305 183rd St, Cerritos, CA 90703.

Cebuana crowned Mutya ng Pilipinas Asia Pacific International 2017 iLeNe Astrid De Vera, a 21-year-old, 5’9”-tall, BA Mass Communication graduate from the University of the Philippines Cebu, was crowned 2017 Mutya ng Pilipinas Asia Pacific international in a glittering finals staged at the Newport Performing Arts theater, resorts World Manila last Aug. 4.

A pre-pageant favorite and a newbie in national pageantry, ilene also walked away with the Darling of the Press and Mutya resorts World Manila awards, and Best in Long Gown second runner-up honors. raised by a single mom, ilene is presently working as a marketing executive in a real estate company and has been modeling for six years under the Models Association of Cebu on the side. in 2015, ilene was hailed as Miss U.P. Cebu. ilene is flanked, from left,

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - August 9, 2017

Liza Soberano paid P3-M for a three-hour event? eVer since Liza soberano bagged the role of comic superhero Darna, it has made her not only a bankable actress, but also an actress with a possibly booming bank account.

A reliable source, who requested anonymity, recently revealed to Philstar.com that the star was allegedly paid P3 million for a three-hour appearance in an event. the source, who co-organized the event, further said that the sum was separate from soberano’s talent fee as a brand endorser. if these were true, then that could mean Liza’s “appearance fee” is equivalent to P1 million per hour, an amount that would usually take most Filipinos a lifetime to earn.

Liza and her love team partner, enrique Gil, were part of “AsAP Live in toronto” last weekend to celebrate ABsCBN international’s 10th year in Canada, which also marks its 150th birthday.

For the first time ever, Canada witnessed the takeover of more than 35 of the brightest Kapamilya stars, featuring “AsAP” royalties Gary Valenciano, Martin Nievera, ZsaZsa Padilla, Piolo Pascual and Jolina Magdangal; “Birit Queens” Jona, Morissette, Klarisse and Angeline; “soul sessionistas” – Jay-r, KZ, Jason Dy, Daryl ong, and Kyla; Love teams of Kim Chiu and Gerald

Anderson; elmo Magalona and Janella salvador; Julia Barretto and Joshua Garcia; Liza soberano and enrique Gil; singers erik santos and Yeng Constantino; topnotch dancers Maja salvador, enchong Dee, rayver Cruz and Yassi Pressman; teen idols robi Domingo

and Darren espanto; oPM hit maker and Canada-based Chiqui Pineda; and prime Kapamilya stars Bea Alonzo, Paulo Avelino, sam Milby, richard Yap, Jodi sta. Maria and oPM icon ogie Alcasid. (Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo/Philstar. com)

Ilene Astrid De Vera (third from left), a 21-year-old, 5’9”-tall, BA Mass Communication graduate from the University of the Philippines Cebu, was crowned 2017 Mutya ng Pilipinas Asia Pacific International in a glittering finals staged at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila last Aug. 4.

by Angela Carla sandigan of Pateros (first runner-up), Hannah Khayle iglesia of isabela (Mutya ng Pilipinas top Model of the World 2017), Jannie Loudette Alipo-on of Navotas City (Mutya ng Pilipinas tourism international 2017), sofia sibug of Albay (second runner-up) and savannah Mari Gankiewicz of Fil. Community of Hawaii (Mutya ng Pilipinas overseas Communities

2017).

De Vera, Alipo-on and iglesia will compete in the global tilts slated to be held in Manila in october; in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in December; and in st.

George, Grenada, in Feb. 2018, respectively. raymond Gutierrez and Bianca Gonzalez hosted the event while Jay-r rendered song numbers. (Philstar.com)

Liza Soberano was part of “ASAP Live in Toronto” last weekend to celebrate ABS-CBN International’s 10th year in Canada, which also marks Canada’s 150th birthday.

ABS-CBN photo

Town mates and Friends:

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